Israel and Denmark square off on Thursday evening as both nations look to get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start.

In a well-balanced group which also includes Austria and Scotland, the result of this contest could prove decisive come the end of the year.

Match preview

Having been drawn alongside Belgium and England in the UEFA Nations League, Denmark would have acknowledged that finishing in third position in that group was a realistic possibility.

However, as well as claiming second spot ahead of the Three Lions, Denmark were in contention for top spot until they lost out 4-2 to the group frontrunners in their concluding fixture.

While that defeat ended a five-match winning streak in all competitions, there is a feeling that the Scandinavian nation are on the up under Kasper Hjulmand.

The Red and Whites have not qualified for successive World Cups since 1998 and 2002, but they begin this campaign as favourites to book their place in Qatar.

Despite his indifferent form at Inter Milan, Christian Eriksen came out of the Nations League fixtures with the most credit after scoring four goals in six appearances.

As far as Israel are concerned, it has been Eran Zahavi who has spearheaded somewhat of a resurgence for the national team with five strikes over the same period.

At 33 years of age, the PSV Eindhoven star will not be a long-term fixture in his squad, but his presence in the final third makes Israel the dark horses of this group.

Since the resumption of international action in September, only Czech Republic have defeated Israel over 90 minutes, with notable wins coming against Scotland and Slovakia.

Although Willibald Ruttensteiner will accept that his side need to find something extra over the next eight months, they could find themselves in contention for a first World Cup since 1970 later this year.

Team News

Hjulmand could select the same Denmark side which pushed Belgium on away territory before the end of last year.

However, with a game in Austria concluding this three-game stretch, consideration will be given to resting players ahead of the trip to Vienna.

Joachim Andersen is in contention for a return to the centre of the backline after impressing for Fulham since the turn of the year.

After their morale-boosting win over Scotland last time out, Ruttensteiner is unlikely to make major alterations to his Israel side.

With Sheran Yeini not featuring in the squad, Joel Abu Hanna could be drafted into a back five marshalled by Celtic's Nir Bitton.

Israel possible starting lineup:
Marciano; Dasa, Bitton, Tibi, Hanna, Menachem; Natcho, Lavi, Solomon; Weissman, Zahavi

Denmark possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Wass, Kjaer, Christensen, Maehle; Hojbjerg, Delaney; Poulsen, Eriksen, Braithwaite; Wind

We say: Israel 1-2 Denmark

Israel may relish their tag as underdogs for this game as they bid to make an early move in Group F. Nevertheless, we cannot back against the visitors, who will be full of belief after their results in the UEFA Nations League.