Group I has a surprise leader, Norway, who has been dominant and maintains a perfect record after 5 rounds. Their task now is to continue their perfect streak against an Israel side that has given the group favourites a run for their money.
Norway Team News
Arguably, the biggest absence for Norway will be that of Martin Ødegaard, but Norway can rest assured that the star striker Erling Haaland is ready and good to go. He scored 5 times last time around in the huge 11-0 win over Moldova and is in tip shape. That win extended Norway’s undefeated run to 8 fixtures, all of which the team managed to win. With an impressive 24 goals scored and just 3 conceded in Group I, the team has a comfortable 6-point lead over Italy, albeit the latter is down a game. As hosts, Norway is on a 7-game winning streak, with the last defeat coming against the Czech Republic in 2024.
Israel Team News
Although firmly third and with an outside chance of a surprise, Israel has at least managed to collect 9 points from 5 games and also gave Italy a run for their money last time out in a 4-5 thriller. All of the team’s matches in Group I have produced at least 3 goals, with Israel keeping just 1 clean sheet. Their 2 losses did come against the group favourites, Norway and Italy, but while the game with Italy was close, the team’s first encounter with Norway ended in a much more expected 2-4 loss. Still, Israel has shown that it can give top teams trouble, and while they will be in the lion’s den, their commendable last fixture is sure to make at least the Norwegian side wary of any underestimating.
Head-to-Head-Games
Norway and Israel have met 2 times, once in a friendly game back in 1999 and more recently in the reverse fixture from Group I of the WCQ. Norway secured a 2-4 win last time out.
Norway vs Israel Betting Prediction
Norway has been very dominant in their group and has been a stellar host. Despite Israel performing more than admirably, I do not expect them to take anything here and suffer a defeat with some margin. Thus, my pick is for a -1.5 AH for Norway. They have won 4 of their last 5 home fixtures with at least a 2-goal margin and have done so against tougher opposition than Israel. I expect them not to put their foot off the gas, as they are very close to securing a WC spot and topping their group.
Betting Tip: Norway -1.5 AH
Bookmaker: BC.Game
Odds: 1.58
BC.Game
Place your bet on Norway – Israel at BC.Game