Prediction: Poland vs Israel

Prediction: Poland win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365

The European Championship qualifiers are in full flow, and it already seems like a few unfancied nations are going to make a serious run at qualifying for UEFA Euro 2020 next year. That’s as exciting as it can get in international football, because let’s face it, the same faces have been tearing it up at the top for far too long now – and we need some new blood. Two nations who are looking to provide that are Poland and Israel, as they prepare to meet in a 1st vs 2nd clash in Group G.

Poland

Poland let themselves down in a big way during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but it already seems like they’ve been able to dust themselves off in the immediate aftermath of that. They’ve got their eyes on the prize once again, and much like Croatia, they want to prove that their golden generation isn’t just going to go to waste. They’ve got a lot of potential within their ranks and if they can balance their attacking prowess with a strong, consistent defensive presence at the highest level, they could be real contenders.

Team News

Fabianski will probably remain in goal for Poland, as Lewandowski and Piatek attempt to cause issues upfront.

Israel

There’s no point in pretending like anyone thought Israel could make a serious run at qualification this year, but here we are. With seven points from their first three games they have really been able to upset the status quo, in a group which is kind of there for the taking. Momentum is such an overwhelmingly important thing at this level of the game, and three games unbeaten is the kind of confidence booster you need as an underdog nation. They’re in a strong position, and now we’ll see if they can capitalise on that.

Team News

A 5-3-2 formation is expected from Israel, with Zahavi and Saba serving as the major danger men with Peretz leading the midfield.

Factors to Consider

• The game will take place in Warsaw, Poland.
• Poland have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Israel have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Poland have scored four goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• Israel have scored 19 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

While this may seem to be a positive era when it comes to football in Israel, we just don’t think a team that concede three against Scotland are going to match up to Poland in a game that matters this much. The Poles haven’t exactly blown anyone out of the water thus far in qualifying, but when the big matches fall at their feet, they just know how to get the job done and it really is that simple. We think they’re going to edge out Israel with a narrow and professional win to take them one step closer to Euro 2020.

Prediction: Poland win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: bet365