Slovakia vs Azerbaijan Prediction & Betting Tips (8 September)

Already present in Nations League C during the last edition, Slovakia had to settle for 3rd place in its group, ahead of Belarus but behind Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Subsequently, Milan Skriniar's teammates raised their level of play in order to qualify for Euro 2024 2nd in Group J behind Portugal. In Germany this summer, they created a surprise by coming out of a group made up of Romania, Belgium and Ukraine before falling without merit against England in the round of 16 1-2 after extra time. These results gave a lot of confidence to Slovakia, which began its Nations League campaign with a 0-1 victory in Estonia last Thursday.

During the previous edition of the Nations League, Azerbaijan did not pass far from moving up to League B but ultimately finished 2nd in their group behind Kazakhstan, 3 points behind. After these encouraging performances, the selection did not really confirm itself during the qualifiers for Euro 2024, as evidenced by its 5th place in Group F behind Belgium, Austria and Sweden. Last Thursday, Azerbaijan got off to a bad start in their Nations League C group with a loss at home to Sweden 1-3.

Slovakia has an interesting squad in which we find elements accustomed to the high level at club level. This is particularly the case of goalkeeper Dubravka (Newcastle), defender Skriniar (PSG) and midfielders Lobotka (Naples) and Benes (Union Berlin). These 4 players started against Estonia as did the promising winger Suslov (Hellas Verona) who scored the winning goal. We also find in the offensive sector Haraslin (Sparta Prague) and Bozenik (Boavista). It is still necessary to note the withdrawals of the former Milanese Kucka (several times decisive passer at the Euro), the very good Schranz (3 goals at the Euro, injured) and the replacements Vernon De Marco and Hrosovsky, all present in Germany. For Azerbaijan, the squad is made up of players little known to the general public.

Not less than 7 elements currently wear the colors of the flagship club, Qarabag. Rather to his advantage against Sweden despite the defeat, midfielder Mahmudov (Neftci Baku) is the captain of this selection. Scorer on the first day, striker Dadashov (Ankaragucu) should be brought back up front with, alongside him, winger Chaidaiev (Neftci Baku). On the other hand, attackers Mahir Emreli (48 salts - 6 goals) and Musa Qurbanli (22 years old, 3 goals in 14 games) are absent from this gathering, as are starting goalkeeper Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev and senior defender Kryvotsyuk.