Austria vs Israel: Match Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
Published on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 by Steve
Austria vs Israel Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds
Europe - UEFA Nations League Prediction & Betting Tips
Match Overview
Manor Solomon Israel L Konrad Laimer Editorial Stock Photo - Stock Image | Shutterstock Editorial
Austria begin their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign with a home fixture against Israel at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz on Thursday, 24 September. This is the first competitive meeting between the sides since November 2021 and the first match in League B Group 3, making the result particularly important for both teamsā promotion ambitions. Austria are favourites at European odds of approximately 1.38, while the draw is available around 5.00 and an Israel victory is priced between 7.00 and 8.00. Those figures reflect Austriaās greater squad depth, home advantage and recent appearance in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More analysis of the group can be found in our UEFA Nations League predictions section.
Ralf Rangnick has used the September gathering to continue Austriaās post-World Cup transition. The latest squad announcement contains 27 players, including four first-time call-ups: Felix Bacher, Lukas Jungwirth, Vasilije Markovic and Christian Zawieschitzky. Rangnick made it clear that he selected only players whom he considers match-fit, while also keeping one eye on Euro 2028. Austria have lost several established names from the team that reached the World Cup last 16, with Marcel Sabitzer taking a break from international duty, Christoph Baumgartner injured, David Alaba unavailable while searching for a new club and Marko Arnautovic having retired after the tournament. Despite those notable absences, Austria still possess considerable experience through Michael Gregoritsch, Stefan Posch, Philipp Lienhart, Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald and Konrad Laimer.
Israel enter the match in a more stable phase under Ran Ben Shimon, who has been attempting to create a competitive, tactically cohesive side since taking charge in 2024. The visitors did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but they finished their most recent competitive campaign strongly and carried momentum into 2026 with a 2-2 draw against Georgia and a 1-0 friendly victory in Albania. Their attacking group remains dangerous when space is available, particularly through Manor Solomon, Oscar Gloukh and Dor Turgeman. However, facing Austriaās coordinated counter-press away from home is a different test. The Austrians should control longer spells of possession, although Israelās quick transitions and direct running are capable of producing a goal. Our recommended match prediction is a 3-1 home victory, with additional insight available among our football predictions.
Tactical Preview
Michael Gregoritsch Stats | Soccerway
Formation & Key Matchups
Austria 4-2-3-1
Austria are expected to retain Rangnickās recognizable high-intensity structure. Alexander Schlager should begin in goal, with Stefan Posch at right-back and Alexander Prass on the left. Kevin Danso and Philipp Lienhart offer size, anticipation and front-foot defending in central defence. Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager are the most balanced pairing for the double pivot, although Konrad Laimerās pressing quality could make him an alternative if fully ready for a heavy workload. Paul Wanner is likely to operate between the lines, with Patrick Wimmer and Carney Chukwuemeka providing pace and power around Michael Gregoritsch. Austriaās objective will be to force turnovers high up the pitch, attack quickly through the half-spaces and deliver early balls into the penalty area before Israel can set their defensive block. The absence of Sabitzer and Baumgartner reduces experience and creativity, but it may also give Austria more speed and verticality. The key tactical duel will be between Austriaās advanced full-backs and Israelās wide forwards: if Wimmer and Posch combine effectively, Israelās back line will be forced to defend with one player fewer against Gregoritsch.
Israel 4-2-3-1
Israel are also projected to use a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Daniel Peretz in goal and Eli Dasa offering experience at right-back. The central defensive pairing must deal with sustained direct pressure, while the full-backs cannot afford to be caught too far forward. Neta Lavi and Dor Peretz should form the base of midfield, tasked with screening the back four and moving the ball quickly into the attacking trio. Oscar Gloukh is the primary playmaker, combining close control with intelligent forward passes, while Manor Solomonās ability to drift inside and attack the far post gives Israel their most reliable penetration. Dor Turgeman is expected to lead the line, using his strength to hold up clearances and his movement to attack crosses. Israel are unlikely to dominate possession, but they can be dangerous when they bypass the first Austrian press. The visitors will attempt to draw Austriaās full-backs forward before releasing runners into the space behind them. Daniel Peretzās calm distribution could help Israel escape pressure, but repeated defensive clearances are likely to invite another Austrian wave. These contrasting styles are discussed in more detail in our football betting tips coverage.
Critical Vulnerability
Austriaās commitment to counter-pressing leaves them vulnerable to the first well-executed escape pass. If a midfielder breaks the initial press, the space behind Posch or Prass can be exposed before Danso and Lienhart are able to shift across. Israel have the technical players to exploit that route, especially when Gloukh receives between lines and Solomon attacks the channel. Conversely, Israelās vulnerability is defensive height and sustained pressure. Austria can recycle crosses through Gregoritsch, bring Wanner into combination play and send Wimmer behind the full-back. If Austria score first, Israel will have to extend their block and could become increasingly vulnerable to quick transitions. That tactical tension supports both an Austrian victory and the case for both teams scoring.
Team News & Squad Status
Austria š“š”š“š¢š¢
- Major absentees: Marcel Sabitzer is taking a break from the national team, Christoph Baumgartner remains injured, David Alaba is not involved while looking for a new club, and Marko Arnautovic has retired from international football.
- New faces: Felix Bacher, Lukas Jungwirth, Vasilije Markovic and Christian Zawieschitzky have received their first senior call-ups for the 2026/27 Nations League window.
- Goalkeepers: Alexander Schlager is expected to start, with Lukas Jungwirth, Florian Wiegele and Zawieschitzky completing the senior group and Patrick Pentz on standby.
- Fitness watch: Konrad Laimer has been selected, but Austria may manage his minutes following recent club workload and fitness concerns. Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald provide reliable alternatives.
- Selection approach: Rangnick stated that only match-fit players were chosen, while also looking ahead to Euro 2028 and a possible return to Nations League A.
Israel š“š”š¢š”š¢
- Attacking core: Manor Solomon has been included and remains central to Israelās transition play, with Oscar Gloukh expected to create chances from the number ten position.
- Goalkeeper: Daniel Peretz is the established first-choice goalkeeper and brings Premier League experience following his move to Southampton.
- Midfield balance: Neta Lavi and Dor Peretz offer defensive coverage, while Gavriel Kanichowsky and Mohammad Abu Fani provide additional technical options.
- Forward selection: Dor Turgeman is the leading candidate to start as the central striker, with Israel also retaining mobile support options for the channels.
- Defensive challenge: Israelās back four must cope with Austriaās pressing, crosses and repeated set-piece pressure without relying solely on deep clearances.
Predicted Lineups
Paul Wanner (PSV) Stats - Flashscore.com
| Austria 4-2-3-1 | Israel 4-2-3-1 |
|---|---|
| GK: Alexander Schlager | GK: Daniel Peretz |
| RB: Stefan Posch | RB: Eli Dasa |
| CB: Kevin Danso | CB: Raz Shlomo |
| CB: Philipp Lienhart | CB: Roy Revivo |
| LB: Alexander Prass | LB: Or Davidzada |
| DM: Nicolas Seiwald | DM: Neta Lavi |
| DM: Xaver Schlager | DM: Dor Peretz |
| RW: Patrick Wimmer | RW: Gavriel Kanichowsky |
| AM: Paul Wanner | AM: Oscar Gloukh |
| LW: Carney Chukwuemeka | LW: Manor Solomon |
| ST: Michael Gregoritsch | ST: Dor Turgeman |
Head-to-Head Record
Goal in Austrian game dedicated to fallen IDF soldier | Israel National News
The head-to-head record is remarkably level across five senior meetings. Austria have won two matches, Israel have won two and the other fixture ended in a draw. The teams have produced 21 goals across those encounters, at an average of 4.2 per game. Four of the five meetings have contained more than 2.5 goals, while both teams have scored in every match. That history is an important reason to consider goal markets alongside the clear Austrian win prediction. Their most recent meeting was an entertaining 4-2 Austrian victory in November 2021, a result that completed a dramatic World Cup qualifying double-header after Israel had won the first match 5-2 two months earlier.
Austriaās two victories came by 3-1 and 4-2 scorelines, while Israel have won 4-2 and 5-2. The remaining match was a 1-1 draw in 2001. Israelās supporters will therefore take encouragement from the fact that their side has regularly troubled Austria, even though the current squad and home conditions favour Rangnickās team. Austriaās Raiffeisen Arena should provide a strong atmosphere, while their players are also accustomed to the tempo and physicality demanded by the national coach. The historical evidence suggests Israel are unlikely to disappear as an attacking threat, but Austria have enough quality to become the first team to win two consecutive meetings in this fixture. The trend towards goals is another reason why a 3-1 prediction appears more plausible than a narrow 1-0 home win.
Key Players Comparison
Michael Gregoritsch
Role: Austriaās focal striker
Gregoritsch gives Austria a physical reference point, aerial threat and reliable penalty-area finisher. His movement will be vital when Austria attack crosses and second balls.
Paul Wanner
Role: Creative number ten
Wanner has the awareness to find space between Israelās midfield and defence. His ability to combine with Gregoritsch could determine whether Austria turn pressure into clear chances.
Manor Solomon
Role: Israelās transition weapon
Solomon can receive wide or drift centrally, drawing defenders before accelerating into the penalty area. Austria must prevent him from attacking isolated full-backs.
Oscar Gloukh
Role: Playmaker and scorer
Gloukh is comfortable receiving under pressure and has the vision to release Israelās runners. If he finds space between the lines, Austriaās back four will be tested.
Gregoritsch is particularly important because Austria are missing several familiar attacking leaders. He is not expected to create chances through constant dribbling; instead, his value lies in pinning centre-backs, protecting possession and finishing crosses from Wimmer, Prass and Posch. Wanner offers a different profile, capable of receiving on the half-turn and threading passes behind the defensive line. Their combination could be decisive if Israelās double pivot becomes stretched. At the opposite end, Solomonās direct running is Israelās clearest route to a goal, while Gloukh provides the calm needed to connect midfield and attack. Daniel Peretz may also be one of the busiest players on the pitch, particularly if Austria establish territorial dominance early. The individual battle between Gloukh and Austriaās two holding midfielders is likely to shape the visitorsā prospects of avoiding a one-sided match.
The Managers
Ralf Rangnick
Rangnick continues to build Austria around aggressive counter-pressing, rapid vertical attacks and collective movement without the ball. His public comments before this window emphasized that the standard of pressing must remain high if Austria are to return to Nations League A and prepare effectively for Euro 2028. He also made the bold decision to introduce four new players while leaving out or moving on from several experienced figures. That approach creates opportunity, but it also places greater responsibility on Austriaās remaining senior core to manage the match.
The Nations League opener offers Rangnick an important test of the squadās next phase. Austria impressed by reaching the World Cup knockout stage, but defeats against Argentina and Spain demonstrated the gap between his team and the strongest international sides. Israel present a different challenge: they are likely to concede territory but can break quickly when possession is recovered. Rangnick must therefore balance attacking ambition with protection against direct counters. His expected substitutions, potentially involving Laimer, Romano Schmid, Junior Adamu or Sasa Kalajdzic, could also add fresh intensity in the second half.
Ran Ben Shimon
Ben Shimon has attempted to give Israel greater tactical identity, compactness and belief since becoming head coach in 2024. His teamās improved defensive structure was evident during periods of the 2024/25 Nations League, when Israel restricted Belgium and France to goalless draws. Although consistency remains a challenge, the side showed character in ending its most recent World Cup qualifying campaign with a 4-1 victory over Moldova and then remained unbeaten in its first two matches of 2026.
The Austrian away fixture is a demanding start to the new campaign, but it also gives Ben Shimon a useful benchmark for his developing group. Israel cannot afford to press Austria high for the entire match because the hosts are comfortable playing through pressure. A mid-block, quick forward passing and selective pressing are more realistic. Ben Shimonās selection in wide areas will be important because Israel need players capable of carrying the ball away from their own penalty area. If his side remain organised for the first half hour, the match may stay competitive for longer than the pre-match odds suggest.
Betting Predictions & Tips
Odds: 1.38
Austria are the logical selection at short European odds. They are at home, possess the stronger overall squad and should have too much controlled pressure for Israel over 90 minutes. Rangnickās team is missing important experience, but the players available still fit the coachās system well. Israel have enough attacking quality to threaten on the break, yet sustaining that threat while defending for long periods is a major ask. The 1.38 quote offers limited standalone value, but it is the strongest position for a single-result wager.
Odds: 1.95
The preferred value angle is Austria to win by at least two goals. The projected score is 3-1, and Austriaās high-tempo approach should create repeated opportunities if Israelās first line of pressure is bypassed. Israel have kept respectable defensive results against strong opponents, but they have not faced an Austria side this motivated to start the campaign positively at home. The risk is that Austriaās reshaped attack takes time to settle, so this market is more speculative than the straight home win.
Odds: 1.55
Four of the five previous Austria-Israel meetings have finished with at least three goals, and both teams have scored every time. The tactical picture also supports another open contest: Austria will press high and attack the penalty area, while Israel have the speed and technical quality to exploit the space left behind. Austriaās recent matches include 3-1, 3-3 and 3-0 scorelines, further reinforcing the case for goals. Over 2.5 at about 1.55 is a reasonable supporting selection.
Odds: 1.78
Both teams to score offers stronger value than the match-winner because Israel possess several players capable of creating one decisive chance. Solomonās movement, Gloukhās passing and Turgemanās penalty-area presence should prevent Austria from controlling the match without alarm. At the same time, Austriaās volume of attacking pressure makes an Israeli clean sheet unlikely. The historical head-to-head record is compelling, with both sides scoring in all five prior encounters. This market aligns closely with our 3-1 prediction.
Odds: 10.50
A 3-1 Austria victory combines the likely home dominance with Israelās ability to produce one transition goal. The scoreline also matches the average goal trend in this fixture and allows Austriaās attack to outperform without requiring a clean sheet. Correct-score wagers are high variance and should only involve a small stake, but 3-1 is the most coherent scoreline from the available tactical, form and historical evidence. Keep all stakes proportionate and follow sensible responsible gambling guidance.
š Final Score Prediction
Match Analysis
Austria are expected to win 3-1. The hosts should enjoy the larger share of possession and territory, with Seiwald and Schlager setting a platform for Wanner to operate between the lines. Wimmerās width and Poschās overlapping runs should stretch Israel, allowing Gregoritsch to attack crosses and dropped balls around the penalty area. Austria may need patience during the opening exchanges, particularly while several new combinations develop, but their pressing should eventually force turnovers in useful positions. A set piece or rebound could produce the first goal before half-time.
Israelās route to scoring is likely to come through Gloukhās creativity and Solomonās acceleration behind the full-backs. If Austria overcommit, the visitors are capable of producing the kind of transitional attack that makes this contest closer than the odds imply. However, maintaining defensive concentration for the entire match will be difficult against repeated Austrian pressure. A second-half push should produce additional home goals, with Ben Shimonās side finding one consolation as the game becomes more stretched. The 3-1 prediction is consistent with Austriaās superiority and the unusually high-scoring nature of this head-to-head rivalry.
Key Insights & Statistics
- Austria and Israel have met five times, with two wins each and one draw.
- All five previous meetings have seen both teams score.
- Four of the five head-to-head matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Austria are unbeaten in their two most recent matches, beating Tunisia 1-0 and Jordan 3-1 before exiting the World Cup to Spain.
- Israel have lost only one of their last five matches, recording wins over Moldova and Albania alongside draws with Lithuania and Georgia.
- Austria have announced four senior debutants in their September 2026 squad.
- Marcel Sabitzer, Christoph Baumgartner, David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic are all absent from Austriaās squad for different reasons.
- Manor Solomon and Oscar Gloukh are central to Israelās chances of creating transition opportunities.
- Daniel Peretzās goalkeeping performance could be crucial if Austria dominate as expected.
- The European match odds broadly price Austria at 1.38, the draw near 5.00 and Israel around 7.50 to 8.00.
- Austriaās aggressive counter-press should create territorial superiority but may leave space for Israelās quick attackers.
- The most likely scoreline from the available evidence is Austria 3-1 Israel.
Conclusion
Austria enter the opening match of League B Group 3 as deserved favourites. Home advantage, a deeper squad and Rangnickās well-established tactical structure place them in a stronger position than Israel, even with Sabitzer, Baumgartner, Alaba and Arnautovic absent. The fresh call-ups add youthful energy, while the remaining experienced players provide enough leadership to manage a potentially awkward opponent. Austriaās main task will be to avoid impatience if Israel remain compact during the early stages. Related coverage is available in our match previews section.
Israel should not be dismissed. They have dangerous attacking players, recent form is respectable, and the historical meetings between these teams have been highly competitive. Ben Shimonās team is capable of scoring through a quick combination or a direct run behind Austriaās aggressive full-backs. The issue is whether Israel can withstand pressure for long enough to keep the score close. Defensive depth and repeated clearances are likely to become more problematic as the match progresses, especially if Austria score first.
Our final prediction is therefore a 3-1 Austria victory. The straight home win at approximately 1.38 is the safest position, with Austria -1.5, over 2.5 goals and both teams to score offering progressively more value. The recommended correct-score selection is 3-1 at odds of roughly 10.50. Expect Austria to control possession and generate the greater number of chances, while Israel contribute enough attacking quality to find one goal. The match kicks off at 20:45 CEST on Thursday, 24 September 2026 at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz.
