Wales head to Azerbaijan looking for the first of two decisive wins as they look to escape Group E and qualify for next summer”s Euros.
Currently sat four points from the second qualification spot, Wales need a win coupled with Slovakia defeat to Croatia in order to realistically set up a winner takes all showdown with Hungary on Tuesday.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesAzerbaijan have a full squad available despite Rufat Dadashov withdrawing due to injury.
Wales will be without Premier League duo, Danny Ward and Neil Taylor after the pair withdrew for personal reasons earlier this week.
Derby’s Tom Lawrence is also absent due to illness whilst Swansea defender, Joe Rondon isn’t in the squad after needing ankle surgery.
Stat Attack
- Wales are unbeaten in six meetings with Azerbaijan (W5, D1).
- Wales have conceded just twice against Azerbaijan in those six previous clashes, whilst scoring 13 goals themselves.
- Only one of Wales’ last five goals have come in the second half – Gareth Bale’s 84th minute winner at home to Azerbaijan in September.
Prediction
Wales have to win here no matter what but I am struggling to see them getting that victory because their recent away form has been dreadful with two losses and a draw this year.
Azerbaijan however do tend to score at home despite conceding several goals, although their latest squad seem to be more defensive given that just two strikers have been called up.
If that is the case then I can see Wales needing to break them down and get clinical with their chances, otherwise it will be a draw at best but they should just about have enough for the win here.
Prediction: Azerbaijan 1-2 Wales
Result: Azerbaijan 0-2 Wales
Leave a Reply