Israel vs France: preview, prediction, lineup
France take on Israel in Budapest on Thursday night, hoping to move up a few places in their Nations League group.
Israel have lost their previous two matches against Belgium and Italy, and this match will be played in Hungary due to its involvement in the Middle East conflict.
Les Bleus were torn apart by Italy in their first Nations League match, but although they took the lead in the first minute, they bounced back and defeated Belgium in their second match.
Click here for a 90-minute preview of the match at Bozyk Arena.
Israel vs France H2H record (last 5 matches)
Israel: 0 wins
France: 3 wins
Draw: 2
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Israel vs France on TV or live stream
Israeli team news
Israeli coach Ran Ben-Simon has revealed that Eli Dasa, Dor Turziman and Mano Solomon have all withdrawn from his latest squad due to injury. The Sky Blues and Los Blancos have managed to pick up points against Belgium and Italy, but they urgently need points to alleviate the threat of relegation to Ligue B.
Expected lineup for Israel vs. France
Israel vs. France projected lineup (4-2-3-1): Gerafi. Feingold, Nachmias, Shlomo, Leidner. Kanichowski, Fani. Avada, Peretz, Gluk. Baribo.
French team news
Didier Deschamps will lead the new France squad ahead of the October international break. Kylian Mbappé is not included in the squad despite recovering from injury faster than expected, and Antoine Griezmann recently announced his retirement from national team level.
Ousmane Dembele could lead the attack, with Marcus Thuram expected to lead the line in the middle. With Dayot Upamecano out of the squad due to injury, Ibrahima Konate should partner William Saliba in defence.
France vs. Israel projected lineup (4-3-3): Menyan. Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez. Zaire Emery, Choameni, Camavinga. Dembele, Thuram, Barcola.
Israel vs France score prediction
The leap in quality has been a bit too much for Israel so far, as the southern Levantine nation has lost two games in the Nations League so far. This test against France could be a daunting one, but Deschamps is missing several established stars and his team will find it difficult to get chances on a regular basis. Maybe.
However, the quality has proven in the absence of Mbappé and Griezmann, and those in the starting XI will be desperate to seize their chances.
It should be a win for France as they look to put pressure on group rivals Italy and Belgium.
