Israel Prepares for Kosovo Match Amid Squad Changes and Tactical Questions
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The Israeli national football team is preparing for a crucial away match against Kosovo on Saturday in the UEFA Nations League. The team faces squad changes due to player availability and form, with Liel Abada potentially replacing Anan Khalaily and Niv Yehoshua stepping in for the injured Eliel Peretz. A key tactical question surrounds the goalkeeper position, and Manor Solomon may be benched due to coordination issues with Oscar Gloukh. Israel, currently last in their group, needs a win to avoid relegation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel faces Kosovo on Saturday in a critical UEFA Nations League match.
- Liel Abada is expected to replace Anan Khalaily on the wing.
- Niv Yehoshua may step in for the injured Eliel Peretz.
- Manor Solomon might be benched due to tactical considerations.
- A win against Kosovo is crucial to avoid relegation from League B.
The Israeli national football team is preparing for an away match against Kosovo on Saturday in the UEFA Nations League. The team will travel to Kosovo on Thursday afternoon, with a morning training session in Israel before departing for Pristina. Three days after facing Kosovo, Israel will play Austria in a "home" game held in Hungary, concluding their campaign.
Several players are unavailable or expected to be replaced in the lineup. Anan Khalaily will not join due to workload, not injury, with Liel Abada, currently in good form in MLS, expected to take his place on the wing. Eliel Peretz is out with an injury, and his spot will be filled by his Hapoel Be'er Sheva teammate Niv Yehoshua. Dor Peretz is expected to start, and Omri Gandelman is also in contention for a starting role under coach Ran Ben Shimon. Galil is expected to replace the injured Khalaily.
A significant tactical decision awaits the coaching staff regarding the goalkeeper position. Assaf Tzur, who has performed well and started the last two matches, is in contention, as is Daniel Peretz, who is regaining his form. The Southampton goalkeeper currently has the edge, but the final decision will be made later.
One of the key considerations for the starting lineup is the potential difficulty in coordinating play between Oscar Gloukh, who is in excellent form with Ajax, and Manor Solomon, who has been benched at West Ham. Consequently, Solomon might also start on the bench against Kosovo.
Israel is currently last in their group in League B of the Nations League, facing potential relegation to League C. However, a victory against Kosovo could see them draw level on points with their opponents, potentially avoiding the bottom spot. "There is no doubt that in the previous window, the results were not what we aimed for or wanted," said Guy Mizrahi. "We need to win the next two games and correct the previous window. I believe we will do it." He added that the team has analyzed past games and drawn conclusions, aiming to secure six points from the upcoming matches.
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