Israel v Scotland: Kick-off time, is it on TV, who to watch, form guide, Nation's League preview, last match

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 08: Scotland's players celebrate winning the shoot out during a Euro 2020 Play off match between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park, on October 08 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

After the success over Serbia in the Euro 2020 play-off final last week, this is the final group game in Scotland’s Nation’s League section – with a knock-on effect that could, and probably should set-up another play-off comfort blanket after the World Cup qualifying sections.

They’re drawn on December 7 but if Scotland could win this match in Israel, top the Nation’s League group and gain promotion to Nations League A section – it’d go a long way to carrying on that feel-good factor the country has been basking in since last Thursday – all the way to Qatar, just about.

But first things first – Steve Clarke needs to mastermind a defeat of Israel – something he is yet to do.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 08: Goalkeeper David Marshall (L) is congratulated by his manager Steve Clarke following Scotland's vctory during a Euro 2020 Play off match between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park, on October 08 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Here’s what is in store on Wednesday and what you need to know.

Match details

Who: Israel vs Scotland

What: UEFA Nation’s League B Group 2

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 08: Moanes Dabbur in action for Israel during a Euro 2020 Play off match between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park, on October 08 2020, in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Where: Netanya Municipal Stadium

When: 7.45pm, Wednesday November 18

Referee: Pavel Raczkowski (Poland)

What needs to happen

Scotland's James Forrest celebrates the second of his 2018 hat-trick

To win the group Scotland need to match, or better, the Czech Republic’s result in Plzen against Slovakia. Scotland have 10 points, Czech Rep. have nine.

How to watch

It’s another vital match for Steve Clarke’s side – but after the really big-game benevolence of Sky making the win over Serbia a free-to-air extravaganza for the entire country, this time it’s back to the Nations League and Sky Sports’ Football channel - 403 on the planner. Coverage begins at 7.30pm.

Who to Watch

John McGinn (left) is fouled by Israel's Nir Bitton (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Manus Dabbur of Hoffenheim hasn't really shown up in recent matches with Scotland… PSV Eindhoven playmaker Evan Zahavi has though. He’ll be a dangerman as will the eye-catching defender Ela Dasa who performed well against Scotland last month.

Hibs fans will be keeping an eye out for Ofir Marciano, and Celtic the same for Nir Bitton who was excellent at Hampden last month. One we won’t see though is Bitton’s team-mate Hatem Elhamed who was red-carded against Czech Republic on Sunday night.

Opposition Form

There’s only been two wins in 13 for Willy Ruttensteiner’s team and that’s put the manager under some pressure. Seven defeats since last summer plus a penalty exit in the play-off semi-final at Hampden hasn’t helped, though neither did the late covid-19 related call-off of last week’s match against Norway.

Israel lost to the Czech Republic 1-0 on Sunday, while Scotland went down by the same scoreline in Slovakia.

Previous Meetings

Plenty recently!

Last month finished a 0-0 draw with Scotland winning on penalties to qualify for last week’s play-off in Serbia – and yet more penalties.

Before that was a match in September where Ryan Christie scored a spot-kick but a poor second half let the visitors back into it.

Israel were also in Scotland's previous Nations League group and games ended 3-2 for Scotland at Hampden thanks to James Forrest’s hat-trick, but a 2-1 reverse in Haifa. That was Scotland's first having won three previous matches during the 1980s.

Bookmakers’ odds

It’s hard to split them, and there’s not much consensus in the prices.

Israel are narrow favourites 33/20 (bet365), while the draw which might be enough is 9/4 (Skybet). Scotland can be backed at 9/5 (Paddypower).

Zahavi is 5/1 to be first scorer (bet365) with Oli McBurnie the favourite for Scotland at 11 /2 (bet365).

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