TEL AVIV (Interstat) — An international club friendly with a unique backdrop is set for Thursday as Norway’s Aalesunds FK visits Israel’s MS Bnei Jaffa Ortodoxim.

The match, organized under the auspices of the Israeli State Cup, pits a Norwegian Eliteserien side against a club from the Israeli lower leagues. It offers a stark contrast in recent competitive form.

Aalesunds FK arrives with momentum, coming off a 2-0 victory over Thailand’s Sa Kaeo Ban Kaeng FC just one day prior. That win gives them a 1-0 record across all competitions this season.

Conversely, MS Bnei Jaffa Ortodoxim has yet to begin its domestic campaign, holding a 0-0 record with no recent competitive result on file. Both clubs are officially 0-0 in State Cup play this season.

Statistical projections for the contest are divided. The Interstat game simulator predicts a narrow 1-0 victory for the visiting Norwegian side. However, the same organization’s ELO rating system gives the home side, MS Bnei Jaffa Ortodoxim, a 62.7% probability of winning.

The game will be a test of fitness for Aalesunds, playing its second match in as many days, against a Jaffa squad that will be looking to find its rhythm in a rare high-profile outing. Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday evening at a stadium in the Tel Aviv district.