Israel v France: Israel are fearful of a frustrated French side who have still not managed to find their goal-scoring touch when the two teams meet in their World Cup European Group Four qualifier today.

France, the Republic of Ireland and Israel are all locked on nine points from five matches and while Israel managed a 1-1 draw with Ireland in Tel Aviv on Saturday, the French drew 0-0 with Switzerland in Paris - their fourth successive home goalless draw.

The French have only beaten the Faroe Islands and Cyprus, so far in a group in which none of the three leading teams have yet lost to any of their rivals.

"The French are playing well but are unable to score, I am really worried that they will take out their frustrations against us," said former Cyprus international Mordechai Spiegler, who captained Israel in their only World Cup appearance in 1970 and watched them play the Swiss in Paris as a scout for Israel coach Avraham Grant.

France arrived in Israel on Monday wary of the task ahead especially as striker Thierry Henry is still doubtful with a calf injury and coach Raymond Domenech will wait until the last moment before announcing his team as the Arsenal man's partnership with David Trezeguet could prove vital.

France desperately need to win to keep alive their qualifying hopes. "This is a do-or-die game," said Trezeguet. "Israel are in the same situation as we are but they are playing at home so they will have to dictate the game. It will give us some more room."

Grant, meanwhile, is remaining realistic about Israel's prospects. "We know where we stand. We know we cannot be compared to France," he said. "In soccer, the psychological dimension is very important. My players have to become winners.

"The gap between average soccer nations and great teams has been reduced, as proved Greece during Euro 2004.

"Yossi Benayoun can win a game on his own. But let's not exaggerate things. We are not the French team.

"France are much better than us, I repeat it. And we want to proceed step by step. Beating them would fulfil any kid's dream."

Israel are hampered by suspensions and injury and Grant has been forced to call in at least one replacement to his squad in the shape of Maccabi Tel Aviv defender Avi Strool.

Star playmaker Benayoun is also a doubtful starter after picking up a knock from Roy Keane in Saturday's clash with Ireland while central defender Tal Ben Haim has a thigh strain.

Israel will miss defender Arik Benado, midfielder Abbas Suan, who scored the last-minute equaliser against Ireland and striker Omer Golan after they each picked up their second yellow cards.

Another packed house of some 44,000 spectators is expected for the match, although this time they will almost all be Israeli supporters. Ireland brought some 4,000 travelling supporters to Tel Aviv for their match.

France, the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European champions, have looked in a sorry state during their campaign, which began with an inauspicious goalless home draw with the Israelis last September.

Two more goalless Paris draws against Ireland and Switzerland and 2-0 away wins over the Faroe Islands and Cyprus have left France on nine points.

France have yet to concede a goal but, having scored just four, it is hardly a record to be proud of for a team blessed with such talented players.

With France having difficult away matches in Dublin and Switzerland still to come, the team sitting behind only Brazil in the FIFA world rankings are by no means guaranteed a place in the 2006 finals.

France dominated against the Swiss on Saturday but were let down by woeful finishing, particularly by Trezeguet, who missed a sitter late on.

"I will make up for this in Israel," the striker said.

Domenech is not panicking yet but with the group so tight, Trezeguet says there is no room for error. "Even with so many games remaining, the first top team to lose is dead," he said.

Israel hold a special place in the memory of French soccer fans but it is one they will not want refreshed.

France were cruising towards qualification for the 1994 World Cup as they led Israel in their penultimate qualifier in Paris, only to concede two late goals to lose 3-2 - Israel's only win of the campaign.

Needing a point to qualify, they then leaked another late goal to lose 2-1 Bulgaria and miss out on the finals.

PROBABLE TEAMS

ISRAEL: Awate; Saban, Ben Haim, Gershon, Keisi; Tal, Badir, Nimny, Benayoun; Katan, Balili

FRANCE: Barthez; Sagnol, Boumsong, Givet, Gallas; Vieira, Pedretti, Dhorasoo, Giuly; Trezeguet, Henry.

Referee: Markus Merk (Germany)