Despite their current position at the bottom of Group 1 of League C, Azerbaijan has a history of resilience. Under Fernando Santos’s leadership, they have suffered defeats in all three matches. However, their historical triumph over Slovakia in September 2022, when they overcame a 2-1 deficit, is a testament to their potential for an upset. This unexpected victory may serve as a source of inspiration for the players as they prepare to face a tough opponent.
Conversely, Slovakia holds the second position in the group, tied with Sweden with seven points. They recently shown amazing resilience in a captivating 2-2 draw against Sweden, recovering from a 2-0 disadvantage. This endurance underscores their capacity to excel under duress, positioning them as favorites for this encounter.
Nonetheless, Azerbaijan’s home-field advantage and prior victories against Slovakia must not be disregarded. Although Slovakia is anticipated to control possession and generate opportunities, Azerbaijan’s acclimatization to its home venue may equalize the competition.
Considering these circumstances, betting on Azerbaijan with a +1 handicap becomes judicious. This solution safeguards Slovakia’s favoured position while recognizing Azerbaijan’s capacity for unexpected outcomes.