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place
- City Stadium
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referee
- Juan Martínez in Munuera
Preview of Rep. of Ireland against Israel
The Republic of Ireland they will seek to strengthen their position a UEFA Nations League Group B3 when they face each other Israel on Sunday night at a neutral venue in Serbia.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side have picked up four points from their first three games, while Israel sit bottom of the group with a one-point advantage going into the second meeting between the countries in the space of eight days.
The Republic of Ireland head into Sunday’s game knowing another win over Israel would keep them firmly in contention heading into the final two rounds of Nations League fixtures.
Ireland began their campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Kosovo, producing just one shot on target in Pristina.
However, Hallgrimsson’s side responded impressively when they traveled to Debrecen to face Israel three days later.
The Boys in Green produced an excellent first-half performance, scoring three unanswered goals to take control of the game before eventually securing a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Ireland carried that momentum into Thursday’s meeting with group leaders Austria at the Aviva Stadium.
Israel has found life difficult since returning to League B following relegation from the top tier.
Ran Ben Shimon’s side opened their campaign with a 3-1 home defeat to Austria before being beaten by Ireland in Debrecen.
They finally got their first point on Thursday with a goalless draw against Kosovo, although they remain bottom of the group after three matches.
Sunday’s game is officially a home game for Ireland, but will take place behind closed doors at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia.
The UEFA Nations League table
League B – Group C
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position 1: Promotion
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position 2: Promotion play-offs
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position 3: Relegation Playoffs
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position 4: Descent
Team news for Republic of Ireland v Israel
Hallgrimsson could make changes to his Ireland starting eleven after a demanding schedule of four games in 11 days.
At least one change will be required, with James Abankwah suspended for Sunday’s game.
The Udinese defender is therefore unavailable, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu will not travel to Serbia with the squad.
Ireland were already without several established players for this international window, including former captain Seamus Coleman and current skipper Nathan Collins.
Israel have scored just once in their first three Nations League games, with Sayed Abu Farchi finding the net against Austria before being sent off for a second bookable offence.
Ben Shimon has several options available downtown, including Tai Baribo and Dor Turgeman.
Israel will be without Daniel Peretz after the Southampton goalkeeper withdrew with a groin injury.
Predicted line-ups for Republic of Ireland v Israel
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher; Egan, O’Shea, Scales; O’Brien, Coventry, Molumby, Manning; Moylan; Idah, Parrott.
Israel: Enamel; Stoinov, Nachmias, Shlomo; Khalaily, E. Peretz, D. Peretz, Revivo; Solomon, Gloukh; Turgeman.
ℹ️ The official lineups are not yet available. They are usually announced 20-40 minutes before kick-off, depending on the competition.
Recent form and statistics of Rep. Of Ireland v Israel
- Ireland have picked up four points from their first three Nations League games.
- Hallgrimsson’s side beat Israel 3-0 when the teams met in Debrecen on 27 September.
- Parrott has scored nine goals in his last six competitive appearances for Ireland.
- Ireland have scored five goals in their last two Nations League games.
- Israel have collected just one point from their first three games.
- Israel have only scored once in the Nations League this season.
- Ben Shimon’s side have lost five of their last seven competitive games.
- Israel’s only point in Group 3 came from a 0-0 draw against Kosovo.
Where to see the reception Ireland v Israel: TV and online broadcasts
Republic of Ireland v Israel kicks off at 19:45 BST on Sunday 4th October. The match will be available to watch live in the UK via Amazon Prime Video. In Ireland, the game will be broadcast on RTE2 and streamed via the RTE Player, with RTE again operating with reduced coverage without its usual studio and pundit presentation.
Prediction for Republic of Ireland vs Israel
Ireland were comfortably the stronger team when these teams faced Hungary and should once again have enough attacking quality to cause Israel problems.
Hallgrimsson’s side have scored five goals in their last two games, with Parrott in particularly impressive form, while Israel have struggled to create chances throughout the campaign.
The unusual circumstances surrounding a game behind closed doors at a neutral venue removes Ireland’s normal home advantage, but their recent performances suggest they should still be able to pick up another important three points.
Republic of Ireland
3-1
Israel