* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
After a gut-wrenching loss for the Boys in Green on Wednesday against Portugal where they played far above any reasonable expectation but still came up short, they look to their next challenge. Azerbaijan, however, will hopefully be less of a test to play against than they are to spell.
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Azerbaijan are coming off a loss to Luxembourg during the week (we all know how that one feels), conceding two, and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to imagine that Ireland carry their scoring form to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Considering playing Azerbaijan is essentially playing FK Qarabag (yes, genuinely most of them play for the same club), Ireland shouldn’t be in for too big a challenge here and hopefully we can tip up a winner to match Ireland picking up their first points in the group.
These picks in a Paddy Power Bet Builder will give you odds of around 34/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Ireland to Win
After making it through 89 minutes holding onto the belief that we could actually come away from Algarve with a win, Ireland will be looking to steady the ship and secure some much-needed points. This seems to be a side that now has some resemblance of identity despite the youth in the squad. They’re steadily improving and hopefully should take all three points from this game.
Over 1.5 Goals
Ireland managed a goal against a near impregnable Portuguese defence and looked relatively able going forward. When you consider the fact that Azerbaijan have leaked goals through this group stage to date, Ireland should be looking to try and salvage their goal difference in this one.
Aaron Connolly to Score
I can see us actually scoring a couple of goals in this game and we should hopefully see Aaron Connolly find the net against players who are realistically closer to his level. Would Brighton U23 be around the same levels as the prestigious Azerbaijani Premier League? We are about to find out! He had some good chances against Portugal but ultimately came up short – expect that to change on Saturday.
Shane Duffy to Have One or More Shots on Target
Realistically, this man will get a head on something, it’s just a matter of time. Big moments are nothing to this big man, he’s scored some pivotal goals at times when he’s been required most. After a god awful season on loan at Celtic last season, we’re lowering our expectations slightly and just need him to have a shot on target.
Ireland to Have 6 or More Shots on Target
After that Portugal game, for the first time in a long time there is hope, hope that Ireland can avoid our iconic arses to the wall ball style and play more meaningful, more progressive, more tolerable football – like Wolves. Not great, but it’ll do. With a team like Azerbaijan, Ireland will definitely create chances and hopefully get to put Sahruddin Mehemmedeliyev under more pressure than I was under trying to spell his name.
Maksim Medvedev to be Booked
Maksim Medvedev is the defensive linchpin for this Azerbaijani side and Adam Idah will make it his mission to torment him. It’s entirely possible that Ireland will create so much pressure that he has no option but to sweep the leg like that guy from the Karate Kid.
Ireland v Azerbaijan tips:
Ireland to Win
Over 1.5 Goals
Aaron Connolly to Score
Shane Duffy to Have One or More Shots on Target
Ireland to Have 6 or More Shots on Target
Maksim Medvedev to be Booked
These picks in a Paddy Power Bet Builder will give you odds of around 34/1. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
FOOTBALL TIPS TODAY
- ACCA: Tap in our 20/1 Saturday night punt featuring Scotland & Denmark
- BTTS ACCA: Check out this 22/1 Both Teams to Score play for the 3pm kick-offs
- CAWLEY’S CALL: Ireland v Azerbaijan best bets for today’s game
- 3 BEST BETS: Our betting preview for Scotland v Moldova tonight
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