France are aiming to get their UEFA Nations League campaign going as they face Israel in a Group A2 fixture. Having picked up a solid win against Belgium last time out, Les Bleu will be confident of seeing off their hosts, who have been out of sorts in recent times.
Campaigning in Group A2 was always going to be a difficult task for Israel, who are facing two former world champions and Belgium. Ran Ben Shimon’s men have lost their two matches so far and were beaten 2-1 by Italy last time out.
Israel's poor form is not limited to just the Nations League as they have lost four of their last five matches across all competitions. A major problem is that their home matches are now being played at a neutral ground, which generally puts them at a disadvantage.
France were solid last time out in the UEFA Nations League as they claimed a 2-0 victory over Belgium. Goals in each half from Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele were enough to give them the victory.
Having lost to Italy in their opening fixture, it was a solid return to winning ways for France, who have been a bit erratic lately. Manager Didier Deschamps will be keen to use that result as a spark, particularly their defensive showing as they shutout a decent Belgium attack.
How the bookies view it: France overwhelmingly fancied
France have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 1/5 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Israel is valued at 12/1 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 6/1 for a draw.
Head to head: France always superior
France have only lost once to Israel, claiming four wins and three draws from eight previous matches. However, the last meeting was a 2006 World Cup qualifier which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Players to watch: Solid French defence
France will be looking to build on their defensive showing against Belgium and will target a shutout on Thursday. Central defensive duo William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate can lead the French to another clean sheet at 4/5 by Betfred.
France are going through some changes at the other end of the pitch but should still have enough quality to dispatch Israel. Dembele and Kolo Muani can combine to ensure the French produce over 1.5 goals at 2/7 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Oscar Gloukh is likely to start for Israel on Thursday having only made a second half appearance last time out. Manor Solomon is also expected to start in attack while Daz Schlomo should feature at the back.
There is a new look about France at the moment with erstwhile stars Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann announcing their retirement. Captain Kylian Mbappe has also not been called up, which means Kolo Muani and Dembele could feature in attack while Aurelien Tchouameni is set to start in midfield.
Israel: Gerafi, Revivo, Schlomo, Nachmias, Jehezkel, Abu Fani, Lavi, Solomon, Gloukh, Ababa, Khalaili
France: Maignan, Digne, Konate, Saliba, Clauss, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Zaire-Emery, Olise, Dembele, Kolo Muani
Anything else catch the eye?
Having won to nil last time out against Belgium, France will be targeting a similar outcome at 9/10 with Betfred. The French will be keen to establish their superiority and could be backed in the -2 handicap market at 8/5 with Betfred.
With France expected to be dominant on Thursday, they could be backed to win both halves at 13/10 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Israel and France will be played on Oct 10, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Israel vs France prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
