Iceland will attempt to spark some life into their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when they welcome Armenia for a Group J clash at Laugardalsvollur. Both teams have been equally poor lately and look set to cancel each other out.
Iceland have not been at their best in recent matches and were hammered 4-0 by Germany last time out in the qualifiers. They were no match for the superior quality of a rejuvenated German side and could only manage two attempts on target.
The qualifiers have generally been rough for Iceland who have claimed just one win and one draw from their six matches in Group A. Arnar Vidarsson’s men are well behind runaway leaders Germany but still have slim hopes of a playoff finish as they sit just three points behind second place Armenia.
The major problem for Iceland has been their leaky defence that has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches, conceding 10 goals in that run.
Armenia are coming off a 1-1 draw at home against North Macedonia in their previous qualifying fixture. They took the lead right before the break through Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s penalty but were pegged back by the visitors.
After making a fine start to the qualifiers, things appear to have gone downward for Armenia. They are now winless in their last three matches and were beaten 6-0 by Germany in their previous fixture on the road.
Away from the qualifiers, Armenia's general form has been poor lately with no wins in their last five matches across all competitions, although there have been three draws in that run. They have also struggled defensively, conceding 10 goals in their last four away matches.
How the bookies view it
Iceland have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 6/5 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Armenia is valued at 27/10 by SBK, who are also offering odds of 23/10 for a draw.
Head to head
Iceland have a 2-1 advantage with one draw from four previous matches against Armenia. However, the Armenians claimed a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in March.
Players to watch
Andri Gudjohnsen only has three caps for Iceland but is already off the mark with a goal against North Macedonia. The young striker could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at 11/4 with Paddy Power.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan often carries a major goal threat from midfield and was on target last time out against North Macedonia. The Armenia captain could be backed to get on the score sheet on Friday at 7/2 with betfair.
Anything else catch the eye?
Iceland and Armenia have looked poor at the back lately but both teams have some quality in attack and could be set to produce BTTS at 11/10 with MansionBet. There have been over 3.5 goals in three of Iceland’s last four matches and a similar outcome is priced at 17/5 by Unibet while over 2.5 goals is valued at 5/4 with William Hill.
There was a half time draw in the reverse fixture and a similar outcome could be on the cards at 17/16 with SBK.
This World Cup match between Iceland and Armenia will be played on Oct 8, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Iceland vs Armenia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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