Norway will host Israel in the upcoming round of the World Cup Qualifiers on Saturday, 11 October.
Will the hosts keep their good form alive or will Israel cause an upset? Read our Norway vs Israel prediction and preview to learn more about this match, but remember to also take a look at our other World Cup Qualifiers predictions.
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Norway vs Israel prediction: Hosts to dominate the game
Key Stats
- Norway beat Israel 4-2 in their first meeting in these qualifiers.
- Erling Haaland has scored 48 goals in 45 appearances for Norway.
- In these qualifiers, Haaland has nine goals in five matches.
Correct score prediction: Norway 4-1 Israel
While Israel have proven in these qualifiers that they are a tough nut to crack, putting up a great fight against Italy and beating all other teams except for Norway and Italy in the group, it's hard to see them getting anything out of this match.
Norway are simply in great form, they are perfect in these qualifiers, and a win in this match would put them in a great spot as they chase their first World Cup appearance since 1998. All in all, we expect Haaland and company to dominate this match and get a comfortable win.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Norway favoured to win
- HOME: 2/9 (1.22) – 81.80%
- DRAW: 6/1 (7.00) – 14.30%
- AWAY: 11/1 (12.00) – 8.30%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Looking at these Norway vs Israel odds, we can see that the hosts are the expected winners and it's not even close. This makes sense when we look at the standings in their group and the current form of both teams.
In any case, if you liked our predictions for this game, remember to also check our betting tips for today.
Most recent H2Hs: Fourth meeting ever
These two teams have met three times before, with Norway winning twice and Israel once. Their last duel was in these WC Qualifiers, which Norway won 4-2.
Norway preview: On their way to the World Cup
In their entire history, Norway have only played at the World Cup three times, while their record is even less impressive when it comes to the European Championships since they only made it to the main stage once, which was at the EURO 2000. Their last World Cup appearance was in 1998, but it seems that their long wait is finally over as Norway is cruising right now in their group.
After five matches, they have a perfect record and a +21 goal difference. Norway's last match against Moldova was a true spectacle in which they scored 11 goals. Still, Norway aren't done yet since Italy can catch up with them, although they are currently six points behind, but the Norwegians can't allow any complacency.
The team's captain Martin Odegaard will miss both Norway's matches in this international window because of a knee injury, while Leo Ostigard is out with a broken rib.
Predicted lineup: Nyland (GK), Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Bjorkan, Berg, Berge, Aasgard, Sorloth, Haaland & Schjelderup
Last five matches
- Norway 11-1 Moldova (WC Qualifiers)
- Norway 1-0 Finland (International Friendly)
- Estonia 0-1 Norway (WC Qualifiers)
- Norway 3-0 Italy (WC Qualifiers)
- Israel 2-4 Norway (WC Qualifiers)
Israel preview: Still in the race
While Israel have already lost to both Norway and Italy in these World Cup Qualifiers, they are not out of the race yet, at least when it comes to second place that would take them to the playoffs. As things stand, they are tied with Italy with nine points, although the Italians have a game in hand and a victory in their direct duel after an exciting 5-4 last-minute win from last month.
Still, Israel will meet with Italy once again before the end and if they can somehow avoid a loss in Norway, they might just make things even more interesting heading into the final stretch of the qualifiers.
Predicted lineup: Da. Peretz (GK), Dasa, Lemkin, Nachmias, Revivo, Do. Peretz, E. Peretz, Biton, Gloukh, Solomon & Baribo
Last five matches
- Israel 4-5 Italy (WC Qualifiers)
- Moldova 0-4 Israel (WC Qualifiers)
- Israel 1-0 Slovakia (International Friendly)
- Estonia 1-3 Israel (WC Qualifiers)
- Israel 2-4 Norway (WC Qualifiers)
Player to watch: Erling Haaland
It's hard to look at this Norwegian team and choose anyone other than Haaland as a player to watch, even though there is certainly some competition with players like Martin Odegaard and Alexander Sorloth in the squad, although Odegaard is out for this international window.
Still, the Man City striker is already Norway's best-ever scorer with 48 goals in 45 appearances for the national team, despite being just 25 years old. Furthermore, Haaland has been on fire in these World Cup qualifiers, scoring nine goals in just five games