This match will see two nations who are slowly turning around their fortunes and changing perceptions of them as footballing countries. Kazakhstan accumulated 18 points during qualifying and just four off making it to Euro 2024, whereas Azerbaijan managed to beat Sweden at home 3-0 which was a standout result.
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Azerbaijan vs Kazakhstan prediction
Key stats
- Kazakhstan won six games during qualifying for Euro 2024
- Azerbaijan are unbeaten in their last three home games
- The last four meetings have failed to see both teams score in the same game
Pre-game odds and win probability: Very little to separate the two sides
- Home: 8/5 (2.6) – 38.5%
- Draw: 21/10 (3.1) – 32.3%
- Away: 6/4 (2.5) – 40%
It's no surprise the bookmakers are not giving much away in terms of the outright favourite because this will be a very even affair. Kazakhstan have only lost one of the last four meetings against Azerbaijan, but that defeat was the last time they met in 2022.
While the last four games have failed to result in both teams scoring, these sides are in solid form for their respective nations and we can only see goals, so that's the market we'd back. However, you can go for larger punts by taking inspiration from our free betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: Kazakhastan have usually had their way
A win in 2011 and 2022 is sandwiched between three defeats to Kazakhstan for Azerbaijan so this game is really up in the air. One team usually ends up keeping a clean sheet in this affair, but it remains to be seen if history will repeat itself this time around.
Azerbaijan preview: Chance to impress at home
Azerbaijan will have high hopes heading into this home clash before the summer having not stated defeat in any of their last three outings in front of a home crowd. They also won the last meeting against Kazakhstan, so it's a chance to make it back-to-back victories.
Predicted lineup: Mahammadaliyev (GK), Cafarquliyev, Huseynov, Mustafazada, Aliyev, Diniyev, Mahmudov, Camalov, Bayramov, Qurbanli, Sheydayev
UEFA Nations League C 19/11/24
L
Sweden
6
Azerbaijan
0
UEFA Nations League C 16/11/24
D
Estonia
0
Azerbaijan
0
UEFA Nations League C 14/10/24
L
Slovakia
3
Azerbaijan
1
UEFA Nations League C 11/10/24
L
Estonia
3
Azerbaijan
1
UEFA Nations League C 08/09/24
L
Slovakia
2
Azerbaijan
0
Kazakhstan preview: Form needs to be turned around
After a memorable, yet ultimately disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying, Kazakhstan have now lost three on the bounce and need some inspiration. Going away to Azerbaijan won't be easy, but certainly a challenge they'll welcome knowing a win is possible.
Predicted lineup: Shatskiy (GK), Kasym, Bystrov, Marochkin, Sadybekov, Vorogovskiy, Tagybergen, Kuat, Islamkhan, Samorodov, Aymbetov
Player to watch: Bauyrzhan Islamkhan
Bauyrzhan Islamkhan had been in the Kazakhstan wilderness for several months until last week when he came on against Armenia. The veteran striker has gone over a year without a cap for his country but is now set for a prolonged stay if he keeps up his form.
A likely goalscorer
Islamkhan was handed a cameo off the bench last week but did manage to get himself on the scoresheet – his first since March 26th 2023 – and should be allowed to start for the first time since before he was banned for breaching anti-doping rules.