Iceland vs Israel

Laugardalsvöllur plays host to a top-table UEFA Nations League Group B six-pointer between Iceland and Israel.

Back-to-back draws to get their underwhelming League B2 campaign underway only served to extend Iceland’s woeful winless streak to eight matches. Despite experiencing their worst run without winning since going winless in 15 games between 2018 and 2019, the hosts are still in contention for a top-place finish. A morale-boosting 1-0 triumph over FIFA’s worst-ranked San Marino in a friendly meeting last time out may aid Iceland’s bid to win their first competitive fixture since October 2021. Yet, they’ve not only failed to beat Israel in both previous H2Hs (D1, L1) but also conceded 2+ goals in each encounter. Indeed, there’s not much Iceland could hold out for here, having won just one of their last eight home internationals (D3, L4).

On the other hand, Israel picked themselves up from a 2-2 draw with Iceland on Matchday 1 to beat Albania 2-1 on the road last time out. Alon Hazan’s men do not lack confidence and character, given that they’ve come from behind to pick up points in both group fixtures thus far. High scoring has been a common theme in Israel’s recent outings as seven of their last eight matches have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet. But Israel’s defensive woes have seen them concede in their last five internationals held on foreign soil (W1, L4), letting in 2+ goals in all four defeats. They’ve somewhat made up for that porous defending by netting over 1.5 goals in seven of their last eight games.