World Cup qualifier: Northern Ireland v Israel match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s World Cup Qualifier at Windsor Park, Belfast

A view of the conditions at Windsor Park (GETTY IMAGES)

Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland welcome Israel to Windsor Park tonight after arctic weather conditions threatened to disrupt play.

After failing to secure a win in their previous four games of the qualifiers, Northern Ireland will be looking for a win tonight to remain in contention for second place with both Israel and Portugal.

Despite never beating Northern Ireland in their previous seven international meetings, Israel will be confident of a win after narrowly missing out on a win against Euro 2012 semi-finalists, Portugal, last week.

Hull City midfielder, Corry Evans, has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad after recovering from injury earlier this month.

A win for Israel tonight would take them within one point of group leaders Russia and put them in good stead for their remaining fixtures.

KICK-OFF: Tonight, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Northern Ireland 1 (McCann) Israel 1 (Barda), International, 2009/2010

Israel 1 Northern Ireland 1, International, 1986/1987

Northern Ireland 3 Israel 0, International, 1984/1985

STATS…

Tomer Hemed has scored six goals in last four games, with a hatrick against Luxembourg.

No Northern Ireland player has scored more than a single goal in the previous four fixtures.

Northern Ireland are without a win in 12 international fixtures.

Edin Dzeko is the only other player who has scored more than Hemed in the tournament so far with a total of seven goals.

ODDS…

Northern Ireland to win: 3.35

Israel to win: 3.35

Draw: 2.48

TV: Live on Sky Sports 3 at 7.45pm, highlights on BBC One 11:15 PM.