Winless Israel will play at their UEFA Nations League (UNL) home venue in Hungary for the second time in four days as they pursue a much better performance against second-placed Kosovo.
Match News and Current Form
Israel are back in the second tier after an unsuccessful League A debut in 2024/25 and have so far shown no signs that their slump is over having lost both of their opening two matches of this cycle. In a game marred by uncertainty in the build-up and controversy throughout, they were beaten 3-0 by the Republic of Ireland in Debrecen on Sunday for a sixth defeat from their last eight UNL fixtures (W1, D1). And with just two wins from their last nine games overall (D2, L5), Ran Ben-Shimon’s side are struggling through some of the worst form of their three-year absence from playing on home soil.
The highs of Kosovo’s 1-0 victory over Republic of Ireland on their League B debut were quickly soured by a reality check in Austria last time out (L 3-1). Head coach Franco Foda was relatively satisfied with his players’ efforts, and given that they now take on a side ranked over 50 places lower than Austria, a response will be expected. A positive result would keep Kosovo right in the hunt for a top-two finish and a shot at the promotion play-offs, which could well be on the cards for a side who've won six of eight completed games outside of Kosovo in formal competition since the start of the previous UNL cycle (L2).
Head-to-Head History
These teams met in qualifying for Euro 2024, with Kosovo going unbeaten (W1, D1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Israel conceded 3+ goals in each of their last eight losses.
Eight of Israel’s last ten matches produced over 2.5 goals.
Kosovo kept a clean sheet in five of their last six wins.
Eight of Kosovo’s last ten away games featured over 2.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Idan Toklomati is in the mix for a start for Israel after scoring in four of his last seven league games for club side Charlotte, who’ve stayed unbeaten in his last nine scoring appearances (W6, D3). Kosovo could benefit from another goal from Edon Zhegrova having won four of the six games that he scored in (D1, L1), though his three goals this term for club and country have come in defeats that saw his side concede three times on the day!
Israel look to have no fresh injuries, though Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric was forced off injured against Austria.
For all the latest team news, please check the ScoresStat match centre.
Betting Analysis
Israel’s vulnerable defending opens the door for Kosovo to win at good odds.
Author: Aaron Murphy
