Israel v Scotland predictions: Steve Clarke's men value to earn three points

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the 2022 World Cup qualifier between Israel and Scotland on Sunday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event, 7.45pm Sunday

Best bet

Scotland draw no bet
2pts 4-5 bet365, Betfred, BoyleSports

Team news

Israel
Sheran Yeini was not included in the squad. Valladolid striker Shon Weissman is expected to replace Mu'nas Dabbur in attack.

Scotland
Rangers star Ryan Jack remains sidelined. Southampton's Che Adams and Hibernian's Kevin Nisbet are eyeing their first Scotland start.

Match preview

Israel and Scotland are becoming familiar foes as they lock horns for a fourth time in six months, and the Tartan Army are worth backing to exact their revenge for November’s Nations League defeat.

Scotland failed to win any of last year’s triple-header with Israel inside 90 minutes, but they edged the most important meeting when prevailing in a penalty shootout at Hampden Park in October to move within one game of Euro 2020.

The Scots followed that up with another nerve-shredding shootout success over Serbia to reach their first major finals since 1998 and while Steve Clarke’s men appear to be heading in the right direction, there is a concern Israel may soon take a backward step.

Israel were 1-0 victors in their home showdown with Scotland in November, but Clarke’s crew lost despite having 19 efforts on goal and winning the shots-on-target count 7-2.

A reproduction of that performance should be enough to overcome the inexperience of the Israelis, whose 25-man squad features 11 players with six caps or fewer.

With head coach Willibald Ruttensteiner opting for a more youthful set-up, a phase of transition could be in the pipeline.

Israel proved no match for Denmark on Thursday as they forced only two attempts on goal in a limp 2-0 home defeat.

While Israel were frustrated by the Danes, Scotland highlighted their improvement in a 2-2 draw with an in-form Austria outfit whom had suffered just one defeat in eight.

There is much greater depth at Clarke’s disposal now than in previous years as he builds his team around Premier League quintet Scott McTominay, Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney, John McGinn and Stuart Armstrong.

Those options rightly make Scotland favourites in Tel Aviv and their new-found defensive discipline - they have conceded just five goals in seven internationals - may make life tough for Israel.

The hosts have won only three of their last 15 competitive matches and with goals harder to come by - they have fired blanks in three of their last six fixtures - the well-organised Scots hold the edge.

Key stat

Scotland are unbeaten in seven World Cup qualifiers.

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