The Republic of Ireland faces Israel in a UEFA Nations League fixture at the Nagyerdei Stadion on Sunday, 27th September, aiming to recover from an opening 1–0 defeat to Kosovo. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s squad enters the match following an 83rd-minute winner by Vedat Muriqi in Pristina on Thursday, a result that left the Boys in Green searching for their first points in League B Group 3. Both sides lost their opening matchday fixtures, leaving them trailing early group leaders Austria and Kosovo.
Team News and Squad Preparation
Ireland’s buildup to the fixture involved significant off-field pressure and discussions. The squad held an emergency four-hour meeting after facing calls from supporters and individuals in Ireland to boycott the match. A clear majority of the players ultimately voted to play to avoid severe sporting and financial sanctions from UEFA. However, the decision was not unanimous; goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad after expressing discomfort with participating.
FAI Chief Executive David Courell confirmed that Irish players will wear black armbands during the match to remember individuals who have lost their lives in the Gaza conflict. The squad plans to skip certain pre-match procedures and has cut back on media commitments for the remainder of the international break. On the pitch, Hallgrímsson deals with a depleted pool. Former captain Seamus Coleman remains unattached and was omitted, while captain Nathan Collins is sidelined with a calf injury. Jack Taylor, Mikey Johnston, Evan Ferguson, Jamie McGrath, and Josh Cullen are also unavailable.
Predicted Lineups and Match Context
Despite the absentees, Hallgrímsson is expected to field a strong side, potentially retaining the starting eleven that faced Kosovo. The probable lineups for both teams are:
Republic of Ireland predicted starting XI: Kelleher; O’Brien, Abankwah, Egan, O’Shea, Manning; Molumby, Knight; Azaz, Ogbene; Parrott
Israel predicted starting XI: Da. Peretz; Dasa, Nachimas, Shlomo, Revivo; E. Peretz, Do. Peretz; Khalaily, Gloukh, Solomon; Turgeman
Israel enters the fixture following a 3–1 defeat to Austria in Linz. Ran Ben Shimon’s side must make a change in attack due to a suspension for Sayed Abu Farkhi, who was sent off against Austria for a controversial goal celebration. MLS forwards Dor Turgeman and Tai Baribo are contenders to replace him. Defensive trio Stav Lemkin, Itay Rotman, and Or Blorian are absent due to injury.
Pro Tip: Troy Parrott is expected to lead the Ireland attack. He scored a hat-trick on his last appearance in Hungary and has netted Ireland’s last six competitive goals, excluding own goals, heading into this fixture.
How to Watch and Match Details
The match kicks off at 7:45pm BST on Sunday, 27th September, at the Nagyerdei Stadion in neutral Hungary. UK viewers can watch the game live via Amazon Prime Video through its Pay-Per-View (PPV) service.
Did You Know?
Ireland is featuring in Europe’s second tier for the first time in the Nations League, carrying a historical trend of slow starts in the competition where they average just 0.7 goals per game.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Israel vs. Republic of Ireland match?
The match kicks off at 7:45pm BST on Sunday, 27th September.
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Where is the match being played?
The fixture takes place at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, on neutral ground.
How can viewers in the UK watch the game?
UK viewers can stream the match live on Amazon Prime Video using its Pay-Per-View service.
Why are the Irish players wearing black armbands?
FAI Chief Executive David Courell confirmed the armbands will be worn to remember those who have lost their lives in the Gaza conflict.
Join the Conversation
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