After gaining a spot in the Euro 2020 for the first time, Scotland has a chance to finish off the UEFA Nations League on a high note. The side travels to Israel on Wednesday night with kickoff at 10:45 pm.
Scotland last won on penalties that saw the side promotion from League B Group 2 and qualify for the first time for the Euros. Israel’s poor run continues with only one win in their last eight international matches.
Israel’s chances for qualification were squandered after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Czech Republic on Sunday evening. A loss this Wednesday could see Willibald Ruttensteiner’s side could face possible relegation from the group. Their chances also rely on the result between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
If Slovakia draws on Wednesday night, Israel will survive from relegation despite even if they lose to Scotland. The side will garner more points against Slovakia from their two matches against each other.
Israel will be heavily reliant on attacking options by Eran Zahavi with five goals from the last five United Nations League matches. Only Erling Haaland has more goals in this year’s competition.
Furthermore, the home side will be looking for their first home victory since this time last year when they defeated Latvia 3-1 in their Euro 2020 qualifiers. It will prove a major challenge with Scotland and their nine unbeaten streaks.
Israel vs Scotland Head to Head
Both sides have four games against each other with both teams picking one win from their encounters. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
The Czech Republic 1-0 Israel
Slovakia 2-3 Israel
Israel 1-2 Czech Republic
Scotland 0-0 Israel
Israel 1-1 Slovakia
Away
Slovakia 1-0 Scotland
Serbia 1-1 Scotland
Scotland 1-0 Czech Republic
Scotland 1-0 Slovakia
Czech Republic 1-2 Scotland
Israel Team News
Israel and Celtic defender Hatem Abd Elhamed remains suspended ahead of the clash after picking a red card in their 1-0 loss to the Czech Republic. The attacking trio made up of Manor Solomon, Munas Dabbur and Eran Zahavi likely to maintain their positions in the starting XI this Wednesday.
Scotland Team News
Full-back Robertson remains sidelined ahead of the clash after picking a hamstring injury. Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney sets to maintain his spot as a wing-back, and Greg Taylor brought back into the starting XI. Stephen O’Donnell looks set to come back to the team this week.
Prediction and Odds
Both sides have something to play for, but Scotland is extra motivated to come off with a win against Israel.
Scotland Win
Goals Over 2.5
Both Teams to Score
