On Monday, Azerbaijan will host Slovakia in a crucial UEFA Nations League match, as both teams look to assert their positions in Group 1 of League C.
Match Preview:
Azerbaijan has faced a challenging start to the 2024-25 Nations League campaign, currently sitting at the bottom of Group 1 with zero points after three matches. Under the management of Fernando Santos, who took over in June, the team has yet to register a victory, suffering defeats to Sweden, Slovakia, and Estonia. Their last competitive win was a 3-0 triumph over Sweden last November. Despite having only managed two wins in 2024, Azerbaijan hopes to turn their fortunes around in front of home fans.
The national team does have a historical edge over Slovakia, with two wins in their past encounters, including a 2-1 victory in the Nations League in September 2022. However, the current form raises concerns as they look for a much-needed boost.
In contrast, Slovakia has been performing well, currently second in the group, level on points (seven) with leaders Sweden. The Falcons kicked off their campaign with two wins, followed by a dramatic 2-2 draw against Sweden in which they fought back from a two-goal deficit, thanks to a brace from David Strelec. Under head coach Francesco Calzona, Slovakia is under pressure to secure another win to maintain pace with Sweden at the top.
Having reached the round of 16 in Euro 2024, Slovakia is keen to build on their recent successes and secure promotion in this Nations League campaign.
Azerbaijan’s Recent Form:
- Nations League: L, L, L (0-3 vs Sweden, 1-2 vs Slovakia, 0-2 vs Estonia)
- All Competitions: Limited success in 2024, only two wins with the last competitive victory in November.
Slovakia’s Recent Form:
- Nations League: W, W, D (2-1 vs Azerbaijan, 2-0 vs Estonia, 2-2 vs Sweden)
- All Competitions: Strong showing in Euro 2024, reaching the knockout stage.
Team News:
Azerbaijan:
- Santos is likely to make a few adjustments after the loss to Estonia but may retain some core players.
- Ceyhun Nuriyev and Mahir Emreli are in contention to start, with Emreli expected to partner Renat Dadashov in attack.
- Their attacking line needs to show more potency, with Emreli being one of the key figures to watch.
Possible Azerbaijan Starting Lineup:
- Cannatov; Mammadov, B Huseynov, Krivotsyuk; A Huseynov, Nuriyev, Isaev, Cafarguliyev; Emreli, Dadashov, Bayramov.
Slovakia:
- Calzona faces tough decisions given the squad depth and talent available.
- After scoring twice against Sweden, Strelec is likely to retain his spot in the starting lineup alongside Milan Skriniar, Ondrej Duda, and Stanislav Lobotka.
- Tomas Suslov and Lukas Haraslin should also keep their places, while Laszlo Benes may play in midfield.
Possible Slovakia Starting Lineup:
- Rodak; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Benes; Suslov, Strelec, Haraslin.
Prediction:
Slovakia enters this match as the clear favorites, given their current form and talent throughout the squad. Azerbaijan will need to bring their best performance if they wish to secure a positive result. However, with Slovakia aiming to maintain their momentum at the top of the group, it is difficult to envision a scenario where they do not come away with all three points.
Prediction: Azerbaijan 0-2 Slovakia
Slovakia is expected to secure a straightforward victory as they continue their quest for promotion in the Nations League.
