The 2026/27 Nations League kicks off in Europe on Thursday. Austria are targeting promotion as they play their first match against Israel at the Raiffeisen Arena in League B, Group 3.

Experienced players missing as Austria begin new campaign

Austria have enjoyed success in major competitions in recent years. They beat the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. Ralf Rangnick will therefore expect his team to finish in the top two in this group.

His first squad of the season features some notable absentees, including David Alaba, who is still without a club. Veteran forward Marko Arnautović retired from international football after the World Cup, and experienced midfielder Marcel Sabitzer is taking a break from playing for his country.

Christoph Baumgartner is an additional injury absentee for the hosts, who may look to Michael Gregoritsch up front. The 32-year-old is in good form, with three goals in four Bundesliga outings for Augsburg this term.

Austria predicted lineup vs Israel (4-2-3-1): A. Schlager; Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Wimmer, Wanner, Schmid; Gregoritsch.

Solomon in form as Israel return to action

Israel haven’t played since their 1-0 friendly victory over Albania in June. Oscar Gloukh scored the winner in that game, and the Ajax midfielder should start in Linz.

Ran Ben-Shimon has excluded Dan Biton and Neta Lavi from this squad in a shift towards younger players, but there are no major injury problems for the Skyblue and Whites.

Manor Solomon is one of the key figures in the final third. The 27-year-old recently moved to West Ham and has made a promising start to the season in the English Championship, with two goals and two assists in eight appearances. He’ll look to provide service for striker Dor Turgeman.

Israel predicted lineup vs Austria (4-2-3-1): Peretz; Dasa, Nachmias, Shlomo, Revivo; D. Peretz, Abu Fani; Abada, Gloukh, Solomon; Turgeman.

Austria vs Israel Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Austria to win
  • Odds: 1.375 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Austria 3-1 Israel
  • 22Bet Booking Code: JVBQF

Key stats:

  • Austria have won 62% of their matches since the start of last season.
  • Das Team have won five of their latest six home fixtures, conceding only two goals across that period.
  • Israel have lost on their previous two visits to Austria.

These nations have met on a number of recent occasions, and all four meetings since 2019 were won by the team playing at home. While Austria face a transitional period with some established stars exiting the international fold, they still have enough quality to triumph.

Both of Israel’s two most recent competitive away fixtures ended in defeat. They conceded eight times without scoring across their meetings with Norway and Italy. Backing Ben-Shimon’s team to fall to another defeat is the smart bet here.

Austria vs Israel Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Austria to score over 2 goals
  • Odds: 1.76 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: X8JQF

Austria offer value at odds of 1.76 to score over 2 goals. They netted six times in three group-stage outings in North America this summer, before being unfortunate to draw eventual champions Spain in the round of 32.

Israel’s defensive flaws were evident during 2026 World Cup qualifying. They let in 2.5 goals per 90 minutes on average and will struggle to keep it tight on Thursday.

Verdict: Austria to win (1.375) — Austria 3-1 Israel