World Cup Qualifiers, Group C, Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Azerbaijan 5pm
Azerbaijan vs Northern Ireland Match Preview – Northern Ireland will travel to Azerbaijan on Saturday to continue their World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign. Michael O’Neill’s men will feel confident heading into the fixture in Baku, as Azerbaijan have gained only one point from their last three matches.
Northern Ireland currently sit second in Group C; five points behind leaders and World Champions, Germany, and three points ahead of their opposition come Saturday evening. The ‘Green and White Army’ have ran a solid defensive operation so far in their qualifying campaign, having conceded only two goals in five matches both against Germany. They also haven’t been shy of goals either, averaging two goals per match so far. Can Northern Ireland continue their goal scoring form on Saturday?
Skybet Match Result – Northern Ireland to Win – 5/4
Azerbaijan will look to close the gap on Northern Ireland, with a win bringing them level on points in Group C. It’s been a few months since Azerbaijan last played a match; dating back to 26th March 2017 against Germany where they lost 4-1. Azerbaijan have succeeded in winning important matches against the less competitive nations in the Group, however have failed to capitalize in matches against tougher opposition. Having only scored three goals and conceded eight, they will need to improve at both ends of the pitch if they are to cause a shock on Saturday. Can Azerbaijan beat the odds and cause a big upset in Group C?
Skybet Match Result – Azerbaijan to Win – 11/4
Chris Brunt and Northern Ireland hope to keep their good run going in the qualifiers Photo Credit: skysports.com
Team News
Northern Ireland manager, Michael O’Neill, has a frustrating list of unavailable players to alter his team selection.
O’Neill is without Craig Cathcart who has been ruled out with a knee injury. Also missing for Northern Ireland are Paddy McNair, Corry Evans, Chris Baird, Jamie Ward, Luke McCullough and Conor Washington.
West Brom player, Chris Brunt, will be a key figure for his nation on Saturday. Can Brunt find the back of the net in this crucial qualifier?
Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Chris Brunt to score Anytime in 90 mins – 7/2
Dmitrij Nazarov will be a goal threat for Northern Ireland Photo Credit: www.11freunde.de
Azerbaijan have no fresh injury worries and suspensions to deal with.
Being able to name their strongest eleven, attacking player, Dimitrij Nazarov, will be Azerbaijan’s biggest threat to Northern Ireland.
Nazarov has proved he has no trouble scoring, having scored six international goals in his 23 appearances to date; his latest against Germany in their 4-1 loss.
Can Nazarov bag another goal for his country?
Skybet Anytime Goalscorer – Dmitrij Nazarov score Anytime in 90 mins – 11/4
Suggested Tips:
- Skybet Price Boost – Liam Boyce to score and Northern Ireland to win in 90 mins – 4/1
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- Skybet Scorecast Boost – Steven Davis to score first and Northern Ireland to win 2-0 – 95/1
- Skybet Scorecast Boost (Double Chance) – Gareth McAuley to score first and either Northern Ireland to win 1-0 or Draw 1-1 – 33/1
- Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – Northern Ireland to win and 7+ Northern Ireland corners – 5/1
- Skybet RequestAbet Up to 10/1 – BTTS, 4+ corners each team and 20+ booking pts each team 9/1
- Skybet Penalty Specials – A Penalty Scored – 5/1
- Skybet Both Players to Score – Kyle Lafferty and Liam Boyce 15/2
