Azerbaijan vs Slovakia betting tips: UEFA Nations League preview, predictions and odds

Recommended bets

Slovakia have won seven of eight meetings with Azerbaijan, including 5-1 and 2-0 victories during Euro 2020 qualifying. The one exception came during World Cup 2002 qualifying, a 2-0 home victory in Bakı. Against teams currently in League C or below, Slovakia have won 11 of their last 14, losing just once.

Under 2.5 goals is 4/7.

Under 2.5 goals and both teams to score NO is 10/11.

Slovakia to win and both teams to score NO is 13/8. 

Match preview

After a shock home defeat on Monday night, can Slovakia get back on track as they make the long 2,700 km journey east?

The Falcons were ignominiously relegated from League B two years ago, but were very much expected to bounce straight back to the second-tier.

This was only heightened when, on matchday one, they beat Belarus 1-0; Tomáš Suslov's cross-come-shot the difference at Stadion Karađorđe.

However, three days later, Slovakia put in a truly shambolic display and were defeated 1-0 by minnows Kazakhstan at home.

Following that one at Štadión Antona Malatinského, Head Coach Štefan Tarkovič was sacked, meaning they're without a manger for this one.

Slovakia have now only won 13 of their last 38 competitive games, but should still have far too much quality in this game in Mərdəkan.

As for Azerbaijan, they're merely battling to avoid the dreaded relegation play-outs.

Gianni De Biasi's side were beaten 2-0 in Kazakhstan on matchday one, before battling to a respectable point against Belarus on Monday.

Nevertheless, this means they're winless streak is now 14 competitive matches, only beating Cyprus, Faroe Islands and San Marino since September 2016.

Will Slovakia be far too strong at Dalğa Arena?

Azerbaijan team news

Qismət Alıyev's red card off the bench on Monday means he is suspended for this one.

One man who will start though is Ramil Şeydayev; he remains his country's main man for goals, having netted seven times so far.

Naturalised Brazilian Riçard Almeyda will anchor midfield, alongside Emin Mahmudov who scored a stunning volley in Dublin last September.

Slovakia team news

With Samuel Slovák and Marek Mintál now in interim charge, it'll be intersting to see if they make sweeping changes.

Fulham's Marek Rodák will continue in goal as Newcastle's Martin Dúbravka is injured.

Captain and talismanic centre-back Milan Škriniar hobbled off on Monday night, so is a major doubt here.

Róbert Boženík or David Strelec could return in attack, most likely displacing Ladislav Almási.

In midfield, Juraj Kucka, who spent the season on loan at Watford, will win his 93rd cap; only four players have more for Slovakia.

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