Israel vs. Northern Ireland: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

While Northern Ireland's dreams of reaching Brazil 2014 may have faded away, Michael O'Neill's squad still have their pride to fight for as they attempt to prevent a bottom-place finish in UEFA Group F.

Luxembourg are currently in last place, equal on points with Northern Ireland but behind them on goals, and are set to face Portugal in their final game of the group. With the match taking place in Portugal, the visitors, ranked 126th, are expected to lose, heavily.

A draw will likely be all it takes for Northern Ireland to ensure they finish above Luxembourg by more than just their record of goals scored and conceded.

Having lost 2-0 to Israel at home back in March however, and with a travelling squad depleted of men and experience, even a single point may be difficult to muster in Tel Aviv.

With the small matter of qualification for Euro 2016 already looming in the near future, with its own tiring pan-European campaigning demands, Northern Ireland will be hoping to finish on some sort of high—if only to take some momentum into the battles ahead.

Venue: Ramat Gan Stadium, Tel Aviv

Date: Tuesday, October 15th

Time: 6 p.m. BST

Live Stream and TV Info

Watch Online: ESPN3

Watch on TV: Not available

Team News

Manchester United's Jonny Evans is suspended following his red card against Azerbaijan, with club mate Oliver Norwood and defensive partner Gary McAuley of West Bromwich Albion also banned after picking up their second yellow cards of the group stage.

The options who will line up alongside Craig Cathcart in their absence range from inexperience to ad-hoc, with Alex Bruce, Rory McArdle and Chris Baird respectively.

Key players Chris Brunt and Martin Paterson must pass late fitness tests if they are to be involved in their side's attempt to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.

By contrast, Israel enter their final game of Group F with little to report on the injury front.

Dudu Aouate and Tal Ben-Haim are likely to feature in defence, with Eden Ben Basat up top for the home side.

Prediction

Northern Ireland will need plenty of luck on their side if they are to overcome both the strength of their opponents and in-house availability issues.

Their miserable 2-0 defeat to Azerbaijan doesn't offer up much hope for O'Neill and his men, with their misfiring team further depleted and demoralised by the loss of both personnel and points.

Similarly, Israel will want to finish their failed World Cup-qualification campaign strongly in front of their own fans, teeing themselves up for an extended 24-team Euro 2016 in France.

With an extra eight berths up for grabs, the tournament may yet see nations such as Israel and Northern Ireland facing off again soon for entry into the most accessible European Championships ever.

Israel 3-0 Northern Ireland