No player in the Moldova squad has scored more than 2 international goals, with the hosts looking to either Dorosh, Ovsyannikov or Picusceac for an unlikely goal threat.
Moldova will look to the experienced players in the side such as Ivanov, Golovatenco and Kovalchuk down the spine of the side to try to shut England out in what is likely to be a very defensive formation.
Both Andy Carroll and Ashley Cole have withdrawn from the squad through injury, with Baines and Defoe likely to take their places in the starting XI.
United duo Young and Rooney are also both sidelined, so there could be a start for Oxlade-Chamberlain on the wing, with Walcott, Johnson and Milner also vying for places out wide.
Gerrard's return to the side could see him partner Carrick in a deeper lying role, with Lampard more advanced in support of the lone striker if he gets the nod ahead of Welbeck.
Prediction
Moldova haven't scored in any of their four international friendlies this year, though they did manage to keep out the likes of Albania and Belarus in stalemates.
Hosting England will be a completely different kettle of fish and it should really be a case of how many for the visitors, despite going into the game with their attacking options limited.
Hodgson's side managed an impressive result against Italy last time out and will look to build on that confidence with a comprehensive victory in the opening game of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
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footballgod
37 weeks ago
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256tip
37 weeks ago
+3
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Dave
37 weeks ago
+2
-1
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spuds
37 weeks ago
+2
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footballgod
37 weeks ago
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See all 5 commentsWinning with a handicap is a good bet actually!
England wins with a handicap
I think you can count the number of decent Moldovan players on one fist. England will win at a canter
@footballgod they'd better do. Could easily be another game we struggle through. 1-0 narrow win?
Although England suck, they will still win comfortably