Israel National Football Team Opens Nations League Campaign Against Austria

The Israeli national football team is set to begin its UEFA Nations League campaign on Thursday evening with an away match against Austria in Linz. This game marks Israel's return to League B after relegation from League A, where they previously faced top European teams. The team is aiming to extend its current unbeaten streak to five matches across all competitions.

In terms of lineup, forward Sayed Abu Farhi will make his first start for the Israeli team, playing in attack. Other players from MLS are expected to be on the bench, having only joined the team recently. Oscar Gloukh, Anan Khalaili, and Manor Solomon will play behind Abu Farhi. Guy Mizehi has been chosen as the right-back over Eli Dasa, and in central defense, Idan Nachmias will partner Nikita Stoyanov due to absences among the regular center-backs. Moamed Abu Fani has been released from the squad due to injury, and Omri Gandelman is not yet fit, limiting midfield options.

Austria, despite missing some key players like Marko Arnautovic (retired), David Alaba (without a club), and Marcel Sabitzer (rest), will still field a strong team. Konrad Laimer of Bayern Munich is also out with an injury. However, their lineup includes seven Bundesliga players, with Michael Gregoritsch leading the attack and Paul Wöber in defense. The match will be officiated by Georgi Kabakov from Bulgaria at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz.

The article also provides the starting lineups for both teams and the current standings for Group 3 of League B, which shows all teams, including Austria and Israel, with zero points at the start of the campaign. Upcoming fixtures for Israel include matches against Ireland and Kosovo.