Prediction: Azerbaijan vs Iceland – Betting Suggestions, Workforce Information, Key Info

Verdict: Objective to be scored in each halves

Greatest Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Going through what seems to be a must-win World Cup qualifying showdown on Thursday night, Iceland will journey to Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan

Beginning with the hosts, at all times understanding that they confronted a monumental uphill battle when getting their World Cup qualifying journey underway again in September, Azerbaijan have solely additional cemented their spot as Group D’s final whipping boys. Final seen falling to a 2-1 loss by the hands of Ukraine, interim boss Aykhan Abbasov finds his short-term squad on the coronary heart of one other prolonged wrestle. Placing simply one-point on the board from any of their first 4 qualifying appearances, the Blues have additionally didn’t file a single aggressive victory throughout any competitors since approach again in November 2023. Getting their Group D marketing campaign underway with a 5-0 drumming in opposition to Iceland on September fifth, Azerbaijan have additionally proven some obtrusive defensive points. Together with a 3-0 defeat in opposition to European giants France final month, Thursday’s hosts discover themselves as soon as once more pencilled in as an actual underdog contender right here.

Azerbaijan Workforce Information

Overcoming a muscle harm earlier within the month, Kaiserslautern attacker Mahir Emreli has been included in Azerbaijan’s squad. The previous Dinamo Zagreb striker may substitute 21-year-old Nariman Akhundzade within the last third.

Skipper Emin Mahmudov will lead Azerbaijan out on Thursday night and earn a 57th-cap right here. Finishing a everlasting change from Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor final yr, Qarabag shot-stopper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev will begin between the sticks.

Iceland

As for the guests, retaining their World Cup goals alive final day trip as they snatched a sensational 2-2 stalemate at residence in opposition to Les Bleus, Iceland are greater than conscious that they face a must-win showdown right here. Getting their respective qualifying journey underway with that beautiful 5-0 victory at residence in opposition to Azerbaijan on September fifth, Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s camp will probably be dreaming of a repeat efficiency right here. Nevertheless, struggling a serious Nations League nightmare final yr and shedding their League B standing due to a 5-2 mixture defeat in opposition to Kosovo, Thursday’s visitors are additionally trying to find some essential defensive metal. Signing off 2024 with a 4-1 drumming in opposition to Wales, Iceland have recorded only a pair of aggressive clear sheets throughout all competitions since again in October 2023.

Iceland Workforce Information

Regardless of being omitted from Gunnlaugsson’s squad final month, former Burnley star Johann Berg Guomundsson has been handed a recall and appears set to earn an historic one hundredth worldwide cap. Nevertheless, coping with a current muscle concern, Brann striker Saevar Magnusson is not going to characteristic.

Bagging a pair of qualifying strikes in opposition to Ukraine final month, Fiorentina marksman Albert Gudmundsson will lead the road on Thursday night. Persevering with to obtain loads of current plaudits and linked with a possible Premier League change, Lille starlet Hakon Arnar Haraldsson may play a number one function.

Azerbaijan vs Iceland Key Components to Contemplate

• When Azerbaijan and Iceland met for his or her reverse World Cup qualifying showdown on September fifth, Thursday’s visitors stormed their approach to a 5-0 victory on residence soil.
• Iceland have conceded 9 targets of their earlier three Group D appearances.
• Likewise, signing off 2024 with a 4-1 drumming in opposition to Wales, Iceland have recorded only a pair of aggressive clear sheets throughout all competitions since again in October 2023.
• Azerbaijan have didn’t file a single aggressive victory throughout any competitors since approach again in November 2023.
• Iceland’s 4 qualifying appearances this yr have produced 20 targets at each ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

Holding their World Cup goals alive final month as they clung to a surprising 2-2 stalemate in opposition to European giants France, Iceland face what’s a must-win showdown right here. Cruising their approach to a 5-0 romp once they met Azerbaijan for his or her reverse qualifying battle on September fifth, Thursday’s visitors will probably be dreaming of a repeat show right here. Gaining a popularity for his or her vigorous outcomes, neutrals will probably be hoping for an additional gratifying Group D contest in midweek.

Verdict: Objective to be scored in each halves

Greatest Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet