Azerbaijan takes on Croatia in what is expected to be a one sided game, counting for the Euro 2016 qualifiers Group H. Croatia leads the group with Italy and Norway on their tails, while Azerbaijan is second to last, gaining just 4 points in 6 matches.
The National team of Azerbaijan is unable to back up the success seen in the Azeri club football, but the hosts played some really decent matches in this group – the late 1-2 defeat in Italy comes to mind and particularly the 0-0 draw in Norway, in the last Group game, was impressive. Azerbaijan not only got the draw in that match, but actually played almost on par with Norway, so that`s obviously good news for the hosts and their relatively new manager, former Croatia great, Robert Prosinecki.
Croatia is doing business like usual in this group, playing a very compact and organized brand of football, staying safe at the back and being efficient up front. The visitors have 14 points in 6 matches, 2 ahead of Italy and 4 ahead of Norway – with qualification looking like a sure thing in this new Euro preliminary format. Croatia is undefeated and allowed just 3 goals so far in this Group H.
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Team news & lineups:
Robert Prosinecki has left a number of high profile players out of the team, due to not playing regularly for their clubs. Croatia will miss talismanic right-back Dario Srna.
Azerbaijan: Agayev – Medvedev, Abisov, Sadygov, Dasdamirov – Qarayev, Huseynov, Nazarov, Ismayilov, Israfilov – Nadirov
Croatia: Subasic – Corluka, Vida, Lovren, Pranjic – Modric, Rakitic, Kovacic, Brozovic – Olic (Perisic), Mandzukic
Prosinecki is promoting a more offensive brand of football for Azerbaijan, but I doubt he will take too many risks against Croatia, who is such an effective side, being able to punish you from half a chance. I expect a classic display for Azerbaijan with the focus on defensive consistency and I doubt they can get too many chances against this rock solid Croatia team. On the other hand, the visitors will feel confident of securing 1 or 2 goals over 90 minutes of possession and pressure.
Croatia won the home game against Azerbaijan 6-0, not giving a single chance for Azerbaijan to score. This time around it will surely be closer, but I expect again a shutout from Croatia. My tip is Croatia to win to nil. Prediction: Azerbaijan – Croatia 0-1.
Pick: Croatia to win to nil
Odds: 1.91 @ Bet365
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 6.37
Event date: 3 September