Rep. Ireland vs Israel – News and Probable Lineups

After both teams shared the spoils in their respective third UEFA Nations League match, the Republic of Irlanda and Israel will go head-to-head in neutral Sérvia this Sunday.

Currently trailing leaders Áustria and Kosovo in League B Group 3, the two sides will meet for the second time in just eight days, following their tense confrontation in Hungria.

Match overview

The encounter between Irlanda and Israel in the Hungarian city of Debrecen last week was far from friendly, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding the match’s continuation.

Amidst weeks of speculation and numerous calls for a boycott, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team eventually took to the pitch after voting to proceed with the match.

Despite the circumstances, the Boys in Green delivered a stunning first-half performance, scoring three unanswered goals. Star player Troy Parrott netted his seventh goal in five competitive matches.

This victory marked their first points in Group 3 and was a significant improvement from their opening game defeat against Kosovo, where they managed only one shot on target.

Upon returning home, Irlanda started strongly once again, with Parrott scoring a brilliant solo goal followed by a confidently converted penalty, establishing a first-half lead against Áustria.

However, the group leaders responded by making several substitutions and made a comeback, securing a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

While the previous result was disappointing, a win for Ireland on Sunday could keep them in the running for at least a second-place finish, which would secure a valuable position in pot two for the Euro 2028 qualification draw.

Hallgrimsson indicated that this was one of their primary objectives from the start, hence his squad cannot afford to slip up this weekend. The final Group 3 match in November will see them travel to Áustria and welcome Kosovo to Dublin.

Highlighting the political issues surrounding this group, Israel were the ‘hosts’ during the previous encounter between these two nations in Hungria, and they will now take on the role of ‘visitors’ in the Serbian city of Backa Topola.

Thus far, the Sky Blue and Whites have only managed to earn one point, which came from Thursday’s goalless draw against Kosovo.

Ran Ben Shimon’s side has faced challenges upon their return to League B level after being relegated from Europe’s top tier in 2024.

After a 3-1 defeat to Áustria in Linz, they were convincingly outplayed by Irlanda, and they have lost five of their last seven competitive matches while crawling through World Cup qualifying.

Currently positioned 76th in FIFA’s world rankings, Israel must battle to evade another relegation in the Nations League, so they will be eager to secure a win this weekend.

Team News

Irlanda’s head coach Hallgrimsson might implement some changes on Sunday given the hectic schedule of four games within an 11-day frame; one change is mandatory as Udinese defender James Abankwah is sidelined due to suspension.

Backup goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu won’t travel with the team, while a number of players, including former captain Seamus Coleman and current skipper Nathan Collins, will also be unavailable.

Jack Moylan could be included again, having scored four goals in his initial five international matches, and Parrott is expected to lead the attack once more.

The latter has scored nine goals in his last six competitive fixtures for Irlanda, along with two goals in limited play for new club Real Betis this season.

On the flip side, Israel has found the back of the net only once in Group 3: Sayed Abu Farchi netted against Áustria but was subsequently shown a second yellow card for his goal celebration.

The Colorado Rapids player will face competition from two other MLS-based forwards, as Tai Baribo and Dor Turgeman are both vying for a spot. Ajax star Oscar Gloukh and captain Dor Peretz are anticipated to offer support.

Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz has withdrawn due to a groin issue, meaning either Omri Glazer or Assaf Tzur will step in as the starting keeper.

Republic of Irlanda probable starting XI:

Kelleher; Egan, O’Shea, Scales; O’Brien, Coventry, Molumby, Manning; Moylan; Idah, Parrott

Israel probable starting XI:

Glazer; Stoinov, Nachimas, Shlomo; Khalaily, E. Peretz, Do. Peretz, Revivo; Solomon, Gloukh; Turgeman

Although Irlanda may not catch Israel unprepared as they did in Hungria, they appear to have shown greater attacking prowess thus far.

Therefore, the ‘hosts’ can secure all three points and remain in contention for promotion until the final results are determined next month.