Azerbaijan and Iceland will face off in an intriguing-looking World Cup qualifier at the Bakcell Arena on Thursday evening.
Having taken just one point from a possible 12, the hosts are currently propping up the Group D standings.
That being said, Aykhan Abbasov’s side could still reach the play-offs if results go their way across the final two matchdays, albeit it is highly unlikely.
To keep those slim chances alive, Azerbaijan will have to get the better of Iceland in Baku this week.
The Nordic nation are one place and three points above their hosts after battling their way to a creditable 2-2 draw against France last time out.
A win for Arnar Gunnlaugsson's side on Thursday evening could set up a do-or-die clash with Ukraine on Sunday to determine who takes second spot in the section.
How the bookies view it: Visitors to emerge victorious
Despite failing to win each of their last three World Cup qualifiers, Iceland are short-priced 11/20 favourites with BOYLE Sports.
Azerbaijan are as big as 9/2 on BOYLE Sports to claim their maiden win of the campaign, while a share of the spoils is an unfancied 14/5 with the same firm.
Head to head: Iceland targeting another five-star showing
Having racked up a resounding 5-0 win in the reverse fixture in Reykjavik back in September, Iceland could have the psychological advantage ahead of this week’s return match. An Iceland victory by the same scoreline on Thursday evening pays a whopping 40/1 on BOYLE Sports.
Players to watch: Go for Gudmundsson
With three goals across his three appearances for Iceland during the current World Cup qualifying campaign, Albert Gudmundsson stands out as an anytime goalscorer option here at 7/5 on BOYLE Sports.
Emin Mahmudov is the only Azerbaijan player to have scored for his country in Group D to date. The experienced midfielder is as big as 11/2 (BOYLE Sports) to make the net bulge on Thursday evening.
Predicted line-ups
Following back-to-back losses in Group D Azerbaijan boss Abbasov could make some changes to his starting XI on Thursday evening.
Iceland will be unable to call upon the services of Mikael Anderson, but apart from that the visitors have a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Azerbaijan: Mahammadaliyev; Huseynov, Krivostsyuk, Mustafazade, Badalov, Guseynov; Bayramov, Khaybulaev, Makhmudov, Dadashov; Akhundzade
Iceland: Olafsson; Palsson, Ingason, Gretarsson, Tomasson; Ellertsson, Haraldson, Johannesson, Gudmundsson; Hlynsson, Gudjohnsen
Anything else catch the eye?
Given the lay of the land in Group D, backing both teams to score looks well worthy of support on Thursday evening at 4/5 with BOYLE Sports.
This bet would have paid out in each of Azerbaijan’s two games with Ukraine, while the same selection would have also proven profitable in each of Iceland’s last three group games.
On a similar line of reasoning to the above, over 2.5 goals also merits consideration here at 4/5 with BOYLE Sports.
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