Sports Mole previews Friday's World Cup Qualifying - Europe clash between Moldova and Israel, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Still seeking their first points on the road to World Cup 2026, minnows Moldova will tackle Israel on Friday evening.
The teams meet in Chisinau, with the hosts simply hoping to get off the mark in Group I and their visitors eyeing a precious top-two finish.
Match preview
No strangers to failure, Moldova battled hard but lost their first three qualifying fixtures while conceding a total of 10 goals.
Indeed, dating back to last year's UEFA Nations League campaign, they have produced just one win from their last seven games across all competitions.
The Tricolorii kicked off their latest improbable quest to make a major finals with a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Norway, before losing 3-2 at home to Estonia.
So, they joined latecomers Italy on zero points before the mismatched pair met in June. Leaving them stuck to the foot of Group I, Serghei Clescenco's side were beaten 2-0 by the Azzurri in Reggio Emilia, and they remain strong favourites for the wooden spoon.
Before facing another potential trouncing in Norway next week, Moldova must first host opponents they have failed to defeat across their last six meetings.
Including home and away wins in qualifying for Qatar 2022, Israel have won four of the nations' last five contests while scoring 12 goals.
So, they will expect to claim maximum points once again, keeping them in the mix for a place in the World Cup playoffs.
With Norway streaking clear at the top and third-paced Italy holding a game in hand, Ran Ben Shimon's men are surely engaged in a scrap for second place.
Israel's most recent World Cup appearance came way back in 1970, but they inched towards next summer's finals with two wins over Estonia either side of losing 4-2 to the Norwegians.
Last time out, Yarden Shua's strike secured victory in a summer friendly against Slovakia, and a trip to Chisinau now precedes next week's crucial clash with Italy.
Moldova World Cup Qualifying - Europe form: L L L
Moldova form (all competitions): W D L L L L
Israel World Cup Qualifying - Europe form: W L W
Israel form (all competitions): D W W L W W
Team News
Moldova boss Serghei Clescenco is set to make changes to his back line, with experienced defenders Victor Mudrac and Veaceslav Posmac both missing out, in addition to Zrinjski Mostar striker Vitalie Damascan.
Furthermore, Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Ion Nicolaescu - the hosts' all-time top scorer - must serve a suspension for accumulated bookings.
So, Maxim Cojocaru and Virgiliu Postolachi - with two goals between them in 59 international appearances - will vie to start up front on Friday, supported by Mihail Caimacov and veteran skipper Artur Ionita.
Meanwhile, Israel captain Eli Dasa is without a club after leaving Dynamo Moscow, so it remains to be seen whether he will start at Stadionul Zimbru.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon - currently on loan at Villarreal - and Ajax forward Oscar Gloukh could feature in the final third, linking up with Dor Turgeman; Liel Abada has been left out.
Moldova possible starting lineup: Avram; Baboglo, Craciun, Dumbravanu; Platica, Motpan, Rata, Reabciuk; Caimacov, Ionita; Postolachi
Israel possible starting lineup: Da. Peretz; Dasa, Shlomo, Nachmias, Revivo; Do. Peretz, E. Peretz; Biton, Gloukh, Solomon; Turgeman
We say: Moldova 0-2 Israel
Almost 80 places separate the sides in FIFA's latest world rankings, and Moldova will not be able to bridge that gap.
Despite having home advantage, the Tricolorii are bound for another defeat - and they could ultimately finish up pointless in Group I.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
ID:580758:1false2false3false: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6313: Written by
Jonathan O'Shea No Data Analysis infoPreviews by emailClick here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!