Game Preview: Azerbaijan vs Sweden – UEFA Nations League
Azerbaijan and Sweden face off in a crucial UEFA Nations League Group C1 match. Azerbaijan comes into the game with solid home form, while Sweden is struggling, particularly away from home. Both teams have shown inconsistencies, and this match could be more competitive than the odds suggest.
Key Stats & Insights
- Azerbaijan have won 6 of their last 10 home matches.
- Sweden have lost 7 of their last 10 away matches.
- Sweden have conceded 2 or more goals in 7 of their last 10 away games.
- Azerbaijan has not lost in their last 4 home matches.
- The last meeting between these two teams saw Azerbaijan win 3-0.
Team Form and Performance
Azerbaijan:
- Recent form: WLWDLW Azerbaijan have been performing well at home, most recently securing a 3-2 win over Kazakhstan in a friendly. With 6 wins in their last 10 home matches, they have shown resilience. Their attack, led by Mahir Emreli and Emin Makhmudov, is capable of troubling Sweden’s defense.
Sweden:
- Recent form: WWLWLL Sweden has been disappointing under new manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, with a poor run of away form including losses to Denmark and Serbia. Sweden’s defense has been fragile, conceding 10 goals in their last 6 matches, and their away form has seen them struggle to secure clean sheets.
Head-to-Head Records
- Previous 4 Matches: Sweden have won 3 times, with Azerbaijan winning once.
- Last Meeting: Azerbaijan stunned Sweden with a 3-0 victory in their Euro Qualifiers clash in November 2023.
Player Form and Availability
Azerbaijan:
Key players like Emin Makhmudov (3 goals) and Mahir Emreli have been leading the attack. Azerbaijan has no major injury concerns, allowing coach Gianni De Biasi to field a full-strength lineup.
Sweden:
Sweden will miss several key players, including Emil Forsberg and Victor Lindelof, but will rely on the attacking prowess of Viktor Gyökeres and Dejan Kulusevski. Alexander Isak is also available, adding depth to the forward line.
Predicted Lineups
Azerbaijan (4-4-2):
Rza Jafarov; Abbas Hüseynov, Badavi Guseynov, Rahil Mammadov, Elvin Jafarquliyev; Emin Makhmudov, Aleksey Isayev, Coşqun Diniyev, Bayramov; Mahir Emreli, Renat Dadashov.
Sweden (4-2-3-1):
Kristoffer Nordfeldt; Linus Wahlqvist, Isak Hien, Carl Starfelt, Ludwig Augustinsson; Jens Cajuste, Mattias Svanberg; Dejan Kulusevski, Yasin Ayari, Anthony Elanga; Alexander Isak.
Market Analysis (Odds)
- Sweden to Win: 1.55 (64% implied probability)
- Azerbaijan to Win: 5.25
- Draw: 4.20
- Double Chance (Azerbaijan or Draw): +143
The odds favor Sweden as the likely winner, but Azerbaijan’s strong home form suggests this could be a closer game than expected. Betting on the Double Chance market for Azerbaijan or the draw at +143 offers value.
Check the latest odds at our trusted sportsbooks in India:
Fun88
Predictions
-
Final Score Prediction: Sweden 2-1 Azerbaijan
Sweden’s firepower in attack could edge out a close win, but Azerbaijan is likely to score at least once given Sweden’s defensive struggles. -
Best Bets:
- Double Chance (Azerbaijan or Draw) @ +143
- Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00
- Both Teams to Score (Yes) @ 1.90