Northern Ireland vs Azerbaijan: Preview and Prediction

Northern Ireland vs Azerbaijan
European World Cup Qualifiers (Group C)
Date: Friday, 11th November 2016,
Kick Off at 19:45 UK
Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland will meet Azerbaijan in a crucial clash that may go a long way to deciding who will finish runner up to expectant Group winners Germany. Northern Ireland have played just one game at home thus far which was an easy victory over San Marino. A win would see the nation on the same points as their visitors but a loss and there would be a six point gap.

Northern Ireland’s form has been poor with just one win in their last five matches though they have had to meet World Champions Germany in that time where they lost both of those games by 2-0 and 1-0.

In contrast Azerbaijan has really impressed where they have lost just 1 game in their past six matches. This includes drawing 0-0 away to Czech Republic and beating Norway. However look closer and the visitors should be ripe for the taking here. In recent months they could only draw in a friendly to Canada 1-1 and could only beat San Marino 1-0 in a very tense match.

Northern Ireland vs Azerbaijan: Head to Head Stats

Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland have met four times in World Cup qualifying tournaments and they share 2 draws and a win each.

Both teams are unbeaten at their respective home grounds, but Azerbaijan managed to claim a 1-1 draw in their last trip to Northern Ireland on November 2012. While the Nord Iron won the first meeting by a 2-0 margin on October 2005.

All the four previous meetings between Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland have seen fewer than 3 goals.

Northern Ireland vs Azerbaijan: Prediction

Azerbaijan would surprise a lot of people if they win this game and this may propel them to the second place in the group standings. But it does look a little false and they haven’t played Germany yet. Northern Ireland on the other hand, if they approach this game more professionally which they will; should ease to victory here even if they will have a few scares.