class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The Boys in Green have kept fans waiting for a breakthrough in recent matches, and Al Hain-Cole expects more late action against De Biasi's men
Republic of Ireland will be desperate for a morale-boosting victory when they travel to Baku to take on Azerbaijan for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier.
The Boys in Green are currently second from bottom in Group A, having lost three and won none of their opening five matches.
Azerbaijan vs Republic of Ireland latest odds
Without a victory in 13 competitive matches in all competitions, Ireland can be backed at 23/20 (2.15) with bet365 to finally have something to cheer about after coming out on top at the Olympic Stadium.
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Gianni De Biasi’s men are bottom of the group with just one point to their name but Azerbaijan are on offer at 13/5 (3.60) to leapfrog their opponents by emerging victorious here.
The sides shared a 1-1 draw in the reverse encounter in Dublin, and you can get odds of 21/10 (3.10) on them cancelling each other out once again in this one.
Azerbaijan vs Republic of Ireland team news
Anton Krivotsyuk should return for the hosts at left-back after missing the 3-0 home defeat against Portugal due to suspension.
Alan Browne and Jayson Molumby are both suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards, while Ryan Manning has withdrawn from the squad due to injury and been replaced by Liam Scales.
Azerbaijan vs Republic of Ireland preview
Although they have secured only two points from the last three group games, Stephen Kenny’s team have provided plenty of drama during that spell.
Having led Portugal until the 89th minute before succumbing to two late Cristiano Ronaldo goals, they subsequently rescued a point against both Azerbaijan and Serbia with goals scored during the last five minutes.
In fact, each of their last five competitive fixtures has seen goals scored within the final five minutes of regulation time, meaning anyone tuning in on Saturday should be prepared to watch right up until the end.
Azerbaijan vs Republic of Ireland tips & predictions
In fact odds of 5/6 (1.83) offer decent value on a goal being scored after the 67th minute for Ireland’s sixth consecutive competitive game, as well as a third successive home match for Azerbaijan.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.