TIPS - Iceland VS Azerbaijan

[(Iceland) Strength]:
1. Iceland are a mid-tier team in this World Cup qualification (UEFA). Their current ranking in the group is crucial. To have a better chance of qualifying, Iceland need to go all out for a win against Azerbaijan to accumulate more points, improve their group standing, and keep their qualification hopes alive.
2. The AH line is -1.00 for the home team in this game, which is in favor of Iceland.
3. Iceland emphasize physical duels and set-piece contention, and focus on defensive discipline. The team are known for their tough defense and efficient counter-attacks. Their offense relies on crosses from the flanks and set pieces, while the running coverage of their midfielders and the accuracy of their crosses are key to breaking down the opponents.

[(Iceland) Neutral]:
1. Iceland drew 1-1 with Azerbaijan in their last friendly.

[(Iceland) Weakness]:
1. Iceland defender Aron Gunnarsson will be unable to participate in this qualifier due to a hamstring injury.
2. Iceland lost 4 of the last 5 games across all competitions, revealing mediocre form. They suffered a 1-0 loss to Northern Ireland in the last friendly.
3. Iceland recorded 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss in the last 3 home games, showing unstable home performances. They lost 4-2 to Turkiye in the last UEFA Nations League match at home.
4. Iceland conceded 11 goals in the last 5 games, boasting poor defense.

[(Azerbaijan) Strength]:
1. Azerbaijan are a relatively weaker team in this World Cup qualification (UEFA). However, the team still hope to earn more points in the competition to improve their standing in the group and keep their qualification hopes alive. Although their chances of qualifying are slim, Azerbaijan will not give up easily and will give their all in the match.
2. Azerbaijan have no severe injuries, which is good news for them.
3. Azerbaijan will counter Iceland's attack with a compact defense. The team hired Fernando Santos as their head coach in 2024. His tactical system favors solid defense and focuses on finding scoring opportunities through quick counter-attacks.

[(Azerbaijan) Weakness]:
1. Azerbaijan were winless with 1 draw and 3 losses in the last 4 friendlies, showing declining form. They suffered a 2-1 defeat to Hungary in the last warm-up match.
2. Azerbaijan failed to win the last 5 away games with 1 draw and 4 losses, demonstrating poor away strength. In the last friendly, they drew 0-0 with Latvia away from home.
3. Azerbaijan scored only 1 goal and conceded 13 in the last 5 games, revealing an imbalance between both offense and defense.
4. Azerbaijan lost 8 of the last 10 games in AH, indicating poor winning strength.

[Tips]:
Iceland lost 4 of the last 5 games across all competitions, revealing mediocre form.

Azerbaijan were winless with 1 draw and 3 losses in the last 4 friendlies, showing declining form.

The AH line is -1.00 for the home team in this game, which is in favor of Iceland.

Besides, Iceland boast superior overall strength and hold a home advantage.

Despite Iceland's poor recent attack, they are expected to end their goal drought against Azerbaijan, who have flawed defense.

Therefore, Iceland are fancied to beat Azerbaijan in this home game, taking all 3 points.

[Recommended]:
Iceland (-1)