Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Facing what appears to be a must-win World Cup qualifying showdown on Thursday evening, Iceland will travel to Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan
Starting with the hosts, always knowing that they faced a monumental uphill battle when getting their World Cup qualifying adventure underway back in September, Azerbaijan have only further cemented their spot as Group D’s ultimate whipping boys. Last seen falling to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Ukraine, interim boss Aykhan Abbasov finds his temporary squad at the heart of another extended struggle. Putting just one-point on the board from any of their first four qualifying appearances, the Blues have also failed to record a single competitive victory across any competition since way back in November 2023. Getting their Group D campaign underway with a 5-0 drumming against Iceland on September 5th, Azerbaijan have also shown some glaring defensive issues. Including a 3-0 defeat against European giants France last month, Thursday’s hosts find themselves once again pencilled in as a real underdog contender here.
Azerbaijan Team News
Overcoming a muscle injury earlier in the month, Kaiserslautern attacker Mahir Emreli has been included in Azerbaijan’s squad. The former Dinamo Zagreb striker could replace 21-year-old Nariman Akhundzade in the final third.
Skipper Emin Mahmudov will lead Azerbaijan out on Thursday evening and earn a 57th-cap here. Completing a permanent switch from Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor last year, Qarabag shot-stopper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev will start between the sticks.
Iceland
As for the visitors, keeping their World Cup dreams alive last time out as they snatched a sensational 2-2 stalemate at home against Les Bleus, Iceland are more than aware that they face a must-win showdown here. Getting their respective qualifying adventure underway with that stunning 5-0 victory at home against Azerbaijan on September 5th, Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s camp will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. However, suffering a major Nations League nightmare last year and losing their League B status thanks to a 5-2 aggregate defeat against Kosovo, Thursday’s guests are also searching for some crucial defensive steel. Signing off 2024 with a 4-1 drumming against Wales, Iceland have recorded just a pair of competitive clean sheets across all competitions since back in October 2023.
Iceland Team News
Despite being omitted from Gunnlaugsson’s squad last month, former Burnley star Johann Berg Guomundsson has been handed a recall and looks set to earn an historic 100th international cap. However, dealing with a recent muscle issue, Brann striker Saevar Magnusson will not feature.
Bagging a pair of qualifying strikes against Ukraine last month, Fiorentina marksman Albert Gudmundsson will lead the line on Thursday evening. Continuing to receive plenty of recent plaudits and linked with a potential Premier League switch, Lille starlet Hakon Arnar Haraldsson could play a leading role.
Azerbaijan vs Iceland Key Factors to Consider
- When Azerbaijan and Iceland met for their reverse World Cup qualifying showdown on September 5th, Thursday’s guests stormed their way to a 5-0 victory on home soil.
- Iceland have conceded nine goals in their previous three Group D appearances.
- Likewise, signing off 2024 with a 4-1 drumming against Wales, Iceland have recorded just a pair of competitive clean sheets across all competitions since back in October 2023.
- Azerbaijan have failed to record a single competitive victory across any competition since way back in November 2023.
- Iceland’s four qualifying appearances this year have produced 20 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Keeping their World Cup dreams alive last month as they clung to a stunning 2-2 stalemate against European giants France, Iceland face what is a must-win showdown here. Cruising their way to a 5-0 romp when they met Azerbaijan for their reverse qualifying battle on September 5th, Thursday’s guests will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Gaining a reputation for their lively outcomes, neutrals will be hoping for another enjoyable Group D contest in midweek.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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