Prediction: Belgium vs Israel

Verdict: Belgium to win to nil

Best odds: 26/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Belgium will kick off their new UEFA Nations League campaign on Friday with high hopes of finally securing some elusive silverware. The Red Devils face Israel in their opening fixture, though the match will be held in Hungary due to ongoing security concerns.

With strong competition from Italy and France in League A Group 2, Belgium will be keen to start with a win to set the tone for the campaign.

Belgium

Belgium’s Euro 2024 journey ended in disappointment, exiting in the first knockout round to fierce rivals France. This defeat deepened the frustration of Belgian fans, as questions linger over whether coach Domenico Tedesco can steer this golden generation towards silverware.

Tedesco’s debut tournament in charge was far from inspiring, with Belgium struggling in the group stage as well. Now, the coach will be eager to turn things around in the UEFA Nations League, where securing a top-two finish in Group 2 is crucial to advancing to the competition’s quarter-finals. Anything less could see Belgium in relegation danger, a scenario they are desperate to avoid.

Though Belgium sailed through Euro 2024 qualifying undefeated and with an impressive defensive record, their Nations League campaign was less successful, finishing behind the Netherlands and missing out on the finals. Their best finish in the tournament remains fourth in 2021, and Tedesco will be keen to improve on that mark.

Facing Israel, seen as outsiders in the group, is a must-win for the Red Devils, especially with tougher matches against France and Italy on the horizon. Adding to the pressure is the unresolved tension between Tedesco and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, further complicating the coach’s efforts to unify the squad as they aim for success in this season’s campaign.

Team News

Belgium head into their UEFA Nations League campaign without several key players, adding to the challenges Tedesco faces in getting his side back on track. Courtois continues to be absent due to his ongoing rift with the coach, and Romelu Lukaku, who has been a pivotal figure in Belgium’s attack for years, is working on his fitness after a tumultuous summer before eventually joining Napoli.

Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen has also retired from international duty, marking the end of an era for Belgium’s defence. Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard, a regular during Euro 2024, is another notable absentee, despite his consistent performances for Arsenal.

Tedesco has opted to freshen up his squad by bringing in some new faces. Italy-based Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers, as well as Borussia Dortmund teenager Julien Duranville and recent Celtic signing Arne Engels, have all been called up.

In the absence of Lukaku, Belgium will rely on Manchester City’s dynamic duo Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to provide service to Lois Openda in the final third. Interestingly, Galatasaray striker Michy Batshuayi remains out of favour.

Israel

Israel faces an uphill battle in their Nations League opener against Belgium, having lost all four of their previous encounters with the Red Devils. In those matches, Israel have conceded 10 goals while only managing to score once. This challenging history, combined with their inclusion in a tough League A group alongside Belgium, Italy, and France, sets the stage for a daunting campaign.

Israel earned their promotion to League A after topping their group in League B back in 2022, a group that included Iceland, Albania, and Russia. However, their recent form in competitive fixtures has been inconsistent. They reached the Euro 2024 play-off semifinals but suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Iceland, showing that while they are improving, there is still a long way to go. Remarkably, the Sky Blue and Whites are still seeking to end a wait of over 50 years for a major finals appearance.

As they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Israel return to the Nations League off the back of contrasting results in summer friendlies. A 3-0 defeat to Hungary highlighted their vulnerabilities, but they bounced back with a 4-0 win over Belarus, showcasing some of their attacking potential.

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Israel cannot host their home games, so they will face Belgium in Debrecen, Hungary. Their ‘home’ match against Italy will also take place in Hungary, specifically in Budapest, adding another layer of difficulty to their Nations League journey.

Team News

Israel’s squad will be missing some key players, including Dan Glazer, Sean Goldberg, and Shon Weissman. The team will feature four uncapped players, adding some fresh faces to the mix.

Among the potential debutants is Maccabi Haifa’s Ilay Feingold, who, along with his fellow newcomers, will be eager to make an impression on the international stage. However, the most experienced heads will be relied upon in crucial positions, with team captain Eli Dasa expected to start at right-back.

In attack, Leeds United loanee Manor Solomon is set to be a key figure, bringing his experience from top-level European football to the squad. He could be joined by former Celtic winger Liel Abada, who offers a threat from the wings with his pace and creativity.

Conclusion

Even without their all-time leading goalscorer and first-choice goalkeeper, a squad boasting players like Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Lois Openda should have enough firepower to overcome Israel.

While Israel have been steadily improving, the odds are stacked against them, and Belgium are likely to handle the game with professionalism and secure a straightforward victory.

Verdict: Belgium to win to nil

Best odds: 26/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet