Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker:
Simply looking to claim a EURO 24 qualifying boost on Thursday evening, Sweden will travel to Baku when they meet Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan
Starting with the hosts, although Azerbaijan might have opened October’s international break with a EURO 24 qualifying victory away at Estonia, it appears that was just a minor boost for Gianni De Biasi’s side. Last seen putting in a toothless performance as they suffered a 1-0 loss at home against Austria, the Blues have managed to muster just four points from their Group F appearances this year. With their dreams of securing a famous top-two finish long since going up in smoke, the former Alaves boss will be more than aware that his squad faces another stern examination here. Putting in a nightmare display when they travelled to Solna for their reverse qualifying showdown back on March 27th and getting hit with a 5-0 drumming, De Biasi’s side are rightfully tipped as a landslide contender on Thursday evening.
Team News
Notching three goals with Turkish outfit Hatayspor this season, 24-year-old Renat Dadashov should once again spearhead Azerbaijan’s attack on Thursday evening. Strike partner Ramil Sheydayev is just one more booking away from being hit with a Group F suspension.
Although 29-year-old Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev might have made just a single domestic appearance with Adanademirspor this season, the former Qarabag goalkeeper will start between the sticks in midweek.
Sweden
As for the visitors, while Sweden might have opened this year’s qualifying adventure with their sights firmly set on securing a top-two finish in Group F, Sweden have endured a major nightmare. Already fully accepting that they will not be making the trip over to Germany for EURO 24, Janne Andersson’s side have certainly come under a huge amount of scrutiny. While the Yellows might have been last seen in Group F action playing out a 1-1 stalemate away at European giants Belgium, Sweden have secured just a single victory from any of their previous four competitive appearances. With many feeling that Andersson’s side are set for a real overhaul behind the scenes, Thursday’s guests are simply looking to claim a much-needed boost here. Breezing their way to a 5-0 romp when they welcomed Azerbaijan to Solna back on March 27th, Sweden will be looking for a repeat performance in midweek.
Team News
Bagging the winner for Manchester United over the weekend as they secured a 1-0 victory against Luton, Victor Lindelof will earn a 63rd international cap on Thursday evening. The 29-year-old will be joined at the back by Newcastle defender Emil Krafth.
Enjoying what has been a remarkable start to life with Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon this season, ex-Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres will be looking to grab a fourth qualifying strike here. Recording three Premier League strikes with Tottenham this year, 23-year-old Dejan Kulusevski could partner Gyokeres in attack.
Key Factors to Consider
