class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With De Biasi’s men looking more solid at the back recently, Al Hain-Cole expects another frustrating 90 minutes for the Boys in Green in Dublin
Republic of Ireland will be desperate to get off the mark when they welcome Azerbaijan to the Aviva Stadium for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier.
The Boys in Green are without a point in Group A after losing each of their first three games, although they were unfortunate to lose out to two late Cristiano Ronaldo goals in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat in Portugal.
Republic of Ireland vs Azerbaijan latest odds
With just one win to their name in 15 fixtures, Ireland are available at 4/7 (1.57) with bet365 to give their fans a much-needed boost by coming out on top in Dublin.
Gianni De Biasi’s men are bottom of the group on goal difference after three successive defeats but Azerbaijan can be backed at 11/2 (6.50) to leapfrog their opponents by pulling off a shock win.
Three of the hosts’ last five home games have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 11/4 (3.75) on them being held to another stalemate in this one.
TV channel, live stream & how to watch
Sky Sports Football Sky Go
The game is being shown live on Sky Sports Football in the United Kingdom (UK). Sky Go will be streaming the game live online.
Republic of Ireland vs Azerbaijan team news
Dara O’Shea is doubtful after coming off injured in Portugal, with Norwich’s Andrew Omobamidele likely to make his full international debut in his place.
Mahir Emreli, Anton Krivotsyuk and Namiq Alasgarov were all brought on in a half-time triple substitution against Luxembourg in midweek, so could be pushing for a place in the starting line-up here.
Republic of Ireland vs Azerbaijan preview
Having come so close to ending their longest run without a competitive victory in style against Portugal, Stephen Kenny’s side will be feeling optimistic as they take on the group’s weakest team.
However, they are unlikely to find life too easy in front of goal after failing to score in any of their last four home fixtures, against such modest opposition as Finland, Bulgaria, Wales and Luxembourg.
Despite their poor form in terms of results, Azerbaijan are no pushovers at the back – conceding just 11 goals in their last 11 fixtures and not conceding more than twice in a single game for 20 matches.
Republic of Ireland vs Azerbaijan predictions
With Azerbaijan having scored just eight times in their last 17 matches themselves, odds of 21/20 (2.05) seem like solid value on no more than one side finding the net and under 2.5 goals being scored for Ireland’s fifth consecutive home match.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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