Moldova vs Israel Prediction: Israel to edge end-to-end contest

Israel will look to try and narrow the gap on Group I frontrunners Norway when they head to Zimbru Stadium to face Moldova in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Friday night (19:45 BST).

Below are my Moldova vs Israel predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the clash in Chisinau.

Team News

Starting with Moldova, the hosts are set to be without the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer, Ion Nicolaescu, as the Maccabi Tel Aviv forward has been ruled out due to suspension.

Football Odds

As for Israel, boss Ran Ben Shimon has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Chisinau.

Today's Football Fixtures

Manor Solomon and Daniel Peretz are not regular starters for their respective clubs, but both players are set to play important roles for Israel during this World Cup qualifying campaign.

Moldova vs Israel Odds

Moldova are the 7/1 underdogs to claim the three points on home soil, while Israel are the 4/9 favourites to come away from Zimbru Stadium with the spoils.

A draw is available at 16/5, while over 2.5 total goals in the game is currently 1/1.

Israel to win and both teams to score @ 13/5

Winning two of their three qualifying games so far, Israel have made a positive start to the campaign, with a 4-2 defeat at home to frontrunners Norway their only loss.

Looking to keep up with the Norwegians, who have won all of their opening four games, Israel can’t afford any slip-up against a Moldova side that are sat rock-bottom of Group I with no points from their first three games.

Conceding 10 goals in those opening three games, Moldova’s leaky defence has been an issue, and Israel should have the quality in the final third of the field to get the goals needed to win this match.

Israel’s defence has hardly been watertight either, conceding six goals in their three outings in qualifying so far.

It would be little surprise to see Moldova get on the scoresheet on home soil, but Israel should prevail in Friday’s encounter.

Dan Biton anytime goalscorer @ 7/4

Bagging himself a brace in the last qualifying match away at Estonia, Dan Biton appeals in the anytime goalscorer market here.

The Hapoel Be'er Sheva attacking midfielder has only had eight caps for his country at the age of 30, but he seems to be trying to make up for lost time.

Having scored twice against Estonia in a 3-1 win for Israel in Tallinn, Biton is well priced to add to his international goal tally in Chisinau.

Offers

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