Iceland Vs Israel
Iceland Vs Israel Monday, 13 June 2022 – 19:45 (BST)
UEFA Nations League
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: WilliamHill
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 11 June 2022)
Preview: Entertainment is usually guaranteed when Israel are involved. ‘The Chosen Team’ have needed to recover from a losing position in both Nations League outings thus far but lead the way in Group B2, ahead of Iceland who have drawn both games to date. Will that change at Laugardalsvollur stadium in Reykjavik?
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Table of Contents
Iceland – Confidence currently at seriously low ebb?
Having dropped down from the highest tier last time around, Iceland have ensured they remain in contention for a swift return to League A. Arnar Vioarsson’s men are undefeated across two outings in Group B2, drawing to both Albania (1-1 in Reykjavik) and Israel (2-2 away in Haifa). Considering that they trailed in both matches, I am not sure they can be too dissatisfied with their return so far.
With no Nations League commitments during the latest batch of fixtures, ‘Our Boys’ plugged the gap with a friendly against San Marino. However, a second-string side limping to a 1-0 success over the lowest ranked team in international football was hardly an inspiring outcome. It means that, across their last 15 matches, their only wins going back to last June have been against teams ranked 192 and 211 out of 211.
Key Stat: When at home, Iceland would record one win and keep one clean sheet in their last eight matches (W1 D3 L4) – with both coming in a 4-0 victory over lowly Liechtenstein when priced as overwhelmingly strong favourites.
Israel – Visitors won’t know when they’re beaten?
‘The Chosen Team’ have chosen the right time to strike in both of their Group B2 contests so far. They took the lead in the first of those, but were pegged back before half-time by a visiting Iceland. The latter went in front early into the second half only for Israel to this time find a response, levelling six minutes from time. This prior to coming from 1-0 down at the break to win 2-1 in Tirana on Friday against Albania.
Victory in Albania represented a first success of 2022 (W1 D2 L1) for head coach Alon Hazan, who has now seen his prolific team net on at least two occasions in 11 of the last 14 internationals. Pertinently, this was also the case in seven of 11 previous away matches – a period which has seen them go 11 consecutive encounters without playing out a draw (W5 L6), highlighting their thrilling win or bust nature.
Key Stat: There were three or more goals in 13 of the last 14 Israel matches, with 9 of their previous 11 away encounters seeing Over 2.5 Goals produce a winning bet.
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Iceland Vs Israel Betting Advice
Every team has now placed twice in Group B2, with one of Albania, Iceland and Israel vying for one promotion berth. With a third of their allotted games consigned to history it is Israel who lead the way on four points, two clear of Iceland. That means a second quick-fire away victory – 72 hours after coming from behind to claim a 2-1 win in Albania – for Israel will open up a five point lead atop the group.
Iceland Vs Israel – Key Facts:
- The countries have met only twice before in the men’s game. These games had both seen Over 3.5 Goals and Both Team to Score, each time with Israel as the hosts, though.
- Four of Iceland’s last eight matches saw four or more goals. Even more compelling, though, is that 11 of Israel’s previous 14 encounters went Over 3.5 Goals.
- Neither has been in particularly strong form however. Iceland with one win in nine (W1 D5 L3) – 1-0 vs San Marino. Although Israel do boast three wins in their last nine also (W3 D2 L4).
Bookmakers still aren’t convinced by Israel’s gung-ho style. Despite seeing Over 2.5 Goals in 13 of their last 14 matches (and 9 of 11 away from home), we can still get 6/5 on there being at least three in Monday’s contest in Reykjavik. Iceland may not be as prolific as an Israel side which has scored 2+ in 11 of 14 prior games. But the hosts do invariably score, doing so in all but one of their past eight contests.
Best Betting Odds – Iceland Vs Israel
Iceland – 17/10 (Boylesports)
Draw – 11/5 (WilliamHill)
Israel – 7/4 (Betway)
