World Cup Qualifier Preview: Republic of Ireland -v- Azerbaijan
Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Irish supporters will return to the Aviva Stadium for the first time since November 2019, as Stephen Kenny’s side host Azerbaijan in Saturday’s World Cup Qualifier (kick-off is at 5pm).
Ireland come into Saturday’s match off the back of a cruel result away in Portugal, one that didn't do their performance justice.
In Faro, Ireland put in one of their best displays in years, one that had Kenny’s side 6 minutes away from a famous victory
Kenny’s side will have no choice but to put Wednesday to one side, and fully focus on the visit of Azerbaijan, however.
On one hand, there are many, many positives from Faro that the side can bring to the Aviva.
However, Ireland’s encouraging display away at Serbia last March was closely followed by a disastrous 90 minutes at home to Luxembourg days later.
If this Ireland team are to take a major step forward in their development, they need to follow Wednesday up with a similar display and a win at the Aviva.
Kenny’s plans will be boosted by the return of Callum Robinson and Alan Browne, after missing the trip to Faro due to COVID issues.
Wicklow-man Liam Scales also earned his first senior call up on Friday, after signing a four-year contract with Celtic last week.
Saturday’s qualifier will also be Kenny’s first game with home fans in the stadium, with 25,000 expected to descend on Lansdowne Road.
This will no doubt give the team a massive boost, as they attempt to get their first points on the board.
Ahead of the game, Kenny told the media his thoughts on the return of supporters and its impact and said that they can’t take anything for granted against Azerbaijan.
“We’re at home, we want to really play with intensity, that’s very important for us, I think we want to go and put in a strong performance and get the victory that we desire.
“If we get that home victory, it’ll be really special for everyone and to celebrate it with the supporters. We have a huge desire to do that.
“It's a proud night for me and the players. A high number of players made their competitive international debuts in empty stadiums, it's not comparable.
“There are families who have been part of their football journey, which is not always an upward curve.
“When the son, brother, friend, grandson etc gets the chance to play for Ireland, but they can't go for a year.
“So, to actually get there, it's really special then to see their families witness the players playing.
“Azerbaijan have very close games themselves with Serbia and Portugal. We've seen Qarabag get to the group stages and comprehensively beat Aberdeen during the week.
“We have to earn the right to win, there's no doubt about that.”
AZERBAIJAN
Azerbaijan are currently bottom of the group with Ireland on zero points. Last March a Maksim Medvedev own goal handed Portugal a 1-0 win before a Mitrovic double condemned Azerbaijan to a 2-1 loss against Serbia.
Last Wednesday they lost to Luxembourg, despite a second half rally that saw Emin Mahmudov pull a goal back.
Azerbaijan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and created their football association a year after. FIFA and UEFA officially recognised the national team in 1994.
They have never qualified for a major tournament and reached their highest FIFA ranking in July 2014 when they were placed 73rd.
They have one just one of their last 26 away qualifiers. Their EURO 2020 qualifying campaign proved to be a disaster, with one draw and seven losses.
Head coach Nikola Jurcevic departed soon afterwards.
Some of Azerbaijan’s key players include their captain Emin Mahmudov, who has scored three goals in his last five games.
Qarabag’s Ramil Sheydayev has scored seven in 37 caps for his country and is a threat in the Azerbaijan forward line, although he was on the bench last Wednesday.
Legia Warsaw striker Mahir Emreli will be a threat also. The 24-year-old is considered one of Azerbaijan’s best players and contributed 22 goals and 5 assists in 32 club appearances last season.
The pressure is on the Azerbaijan head coach Giovanni De Biasi, with six losses and one draw since he took charge in July 2020.
Referee: Jerome Brisard (France)
MATCH STATS
It has been 656 days since supporters attended an Ireland home game, that being Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Denmark. Matt Doherty equalised late on as Ireland sealed a EURO 2020 play-off place.
This is the first ever meeting between the two sides.
Azerbaijan are currently 112th in the FIFA rankings, compared to Ireland’s 47th place.
Ireland have not had a penalty awarded to them since Robbie Brady’s against France at Euro 2016.
BETTING
Republic of Ireland 1/2; Draw 3/1; Azerbaijan 11/2.
PREDICTION
Republic of Ireland 2 - 0 Azerbaijan.
Republic of Ireland
Injured: Enda Stevens, Chiedozie Ogbene, Jason Knight, Mark Travers, Callum O’Dowda, Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea
Doubtful: Alan Browne, Callum Robinson.
Suspended: None.
Azerbaijan
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
