Republic of Ireland – Israel: prediction and preview

Ireland, second in Group B3 with 4 points, host bottom side Israel (one point) at the Aviva Stadium, having beaten them 0-3 in the reverse fixture played in Hungary. The backdrop is delicate: Hallgrímsson has admitted unrest in the squad and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu declined to play in both games. Without the suspended Abankwah, Ireland line up with Kelleher in goal, a back three of O'Brien, Dunne and Scales, Moylan and Manning at wing-back, Knight, Coventry and Molumby in midfield, and Parrott (three goals) alongside Idah up front. Ben Shimon switches to a 4-3-2-1 with Gloukh and Abada behind Turgeman, seeking more attacking presence for a side scoring just 0.33 goals per game. Juan Martínez Munuera referees. Ireland have less of the ball (40%) but are more efficient and come off a 2-2 with Austria. The site's statistical forecast gives 60% home, 23% draw and 17% away, with 1-0 the most likely score.