Tal Ben Haim and Simon Church may drive to Charlton training sessions together but come Saturday they will be on opposing sides in a clash that could define their teams ’ Euro 2016 qualifying hopes . Israel host Wales at Haifa ’ s Sammy Ofer Stadium in a match between the top two in Group B that Ben Haim promises will be fuelled with national fervour . The former Bolton , Chelsea and Manchester City defender wears the Israel armband and may be tasked with marking Church , who has led the line for Wales during this qualifying campaign . Tal Ben Haim ( left ) has revealed his friendship with Simon Church ( right ) will be put to one side . Charlton defender Ben Haim faces the prospect of having to mark Wales superstar Gareth Bale ( left ) ‘ We ’ re really good team-mates so it ’ s going to be a bit strange , ’ said Ben Haim . ‘ But in the first few minutes that will pass and we ’ re going to be big enemies . The atmosphere will be like you have never seen in England . ‘ Our fans are really passionate . They guaranteed their places three months ago — you can ’ t get tickets . Everyone is talking about the game . It ’ s huge for us. ’ Around 30,000 supporters will be waiting for Gareth Bale and Co , the vast majority cheering on Israel , who have begun their campaign with three wins from three . Wales are a point behind after two wins and two draws . Israel captain Ben Haim will have to deal with the threat posed by Belgium winger Eden Hazard on March 31 . Israel ’ s match against Belgium , scheduled for last September , was postponed because of the conflict in Gaza . Wales ’ s visit , according to Ben Haim , gives cause for positivity . ‘ We have all the country behind us , ’ he said . ‘ We want to put smiles on people ’ s faces because they have been through a difficult period , and football is the best way for us , as players , to represent the country . It is the best way to help the people. ’ After Bale , Ben Haim is likely to face Eden Hazard when Belgium visit three days later . ‘ They are players in prime form and will be very tough opponents , ’ said the 32-year-old . ‘ But we need to play them as a team , not as individuals. ’ Church is also keen to get the better of his club-mate . He said : ‘ I ’ d love to score against Ben Haim , that ’ ll be an extra incentive ! ’
Tal Ben Haim will go up against close friend Simon Church on Saturday . Israel host Wales in what could be a pivotal Euro 2016 qualifier . The Israeli midfielder has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid this summer but the player himself says he is happy at Maccabi Tel Aviv.