Sitting top of League B Group 2 heading into their final UEFA Nations League fixture, Israel can seal promotion by beating Albania on Saturday night.

In a group from which Russia were expelled as part of their international exile, the Israelis lead the way by two points from Iceland; while their visitors still await a first victory.

Match preview

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Israel welcome Group 2's last-placed nation to Tel Aviv this week with their destiny entirely in their own hands, having gone unbeaten through their first three games during the summer.

For the first time, the Blue and Whites stand on the brink of promotion to the Nations League's top tier, as they maintained a two-point gap to closest rivals Iceland by salvaging a 2-2 draw in Reykjavik last time out.

Twice forced to fight back from behind, a 65th-minute Dor Peretz strike proved enough to take a point back home, and Alon Hazan's side just need to add three more this weekend to reach League A.

Even a draw or defeat would suffice should Albania manage to upset Iceland in Tuesday's final fixture, but Israel will surely aim to seize the day at Bloomfield Stadium.

Having gone undefeated through their last six home matches, they are clear favourites to claim top spot in their three-nation section, which would not only see them mixing it with Europe's top dogs next time around but also partly compensate for their failure to reach Qatar 2022.

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Like Israel, Albania finished third in their World Cup qualifying group, but they did manage to pip a strong Hungary squad to conclude the campaign behind only England and Poland in the standings.

However, since their quest for a place in this year's global finals came to an end, they have failed to win any of five subsequent fixtures - three friendlies and two in the Nations League.

After drawing with Iceland and losing at home to Israel, Edy Reja's men are in distinct danger of demotion to League C: the third tier, from which they were only promoted less than two years ago.

With two wins, though, from their final pair of matches, they could even earn elevation to League A, such is the nature of a group from which Russia were ejected in the spring.

When they last met Israel, in that defeat at Tirana's Arena Kombetare, Armando Broja put the Albanians in front from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time, but the game was later turned on its head by a Manor Solomon brace. A repeat result would consign them to relegation on Saturday, so the Eagles must fight tooth and claw to avoid such a fate.

Team News

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Having suffered a serious knee injury soon after joining Fulham last month, Manor Solomon is unavailable for Israel this week, as he continues his long road to recovery post-surgery. Veteran forward Eran Zahavi also misses out, while Munas Dabbur recently retired from international duty.

Though the hosts can still call upon Real Valladolid striker Shon Weissman up front, his participation on Saturday is also in doubt, leaving Alon Hazan with restricted options in the final third. Therefore, Celtic's Liel Abada is set to increase his tally of eight senior caps.

There is better news in midfield, where Eden Kartzev returns from a suspension that kept him out of the 2-2 draw against Iceland, and he could be joined by Maccabi Tel Aviv captain Dan Glazer in the centre.

Albania, meanwhile, have Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti out of action due to a leg injury sustained against Milan last month, while Odise Roshi and Keidi Bare are also sidelined; Roma's Marash Kumbulla was not called up.

Rey Manaj's hamstring strain sees the Watford striker omitted from Edy Reja's squad, so Armando Broja - with four international goals from 14 caps - should start up front.

Lazio full-back Elseid Hysaj captains the team, with another of nine Italy-based players, Inter's Kristjan Asllani, hoping to feature in the visitors' midfield. Etrit Berisha and Thomas Strakosha both occupy the bench for their respective clubs at them moment, so Reja is faced with a selection problem in goal.

Israel possible starting lineup:
Marciano; Dasa, Vitor, Goldberg, Leidner; Natcho, Kartsev, Glazer; Atzili, Baribo, Abada

Albania possible starting lineup:
Berisha; Ismajli, Veseli, Ajeti; Balliu, Abrashi, N. Bajrami, Asllani, Hysaj; Uzuni, Broja

We say: Israel 1-1 Albania

Due to the absence of some regulars up front, Israel may struggle to get the three points they desire from their final fixture, and Albania possess sufficient experience to hold the hosts to a score draw.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Jonathan O'Shea

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