Belarus vs Azerbaijan

Belarus and Azerbaijan are set to face each other in this UEFA Nations League League C fixture at the Stadio Karadjordje in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Belarus experienced a disappointing start to their Group 3 campaign, slipping to a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Slovakia. That reverse halted their three-match winning run in international friendlies, during which they had not conceded a single goal. It could be inspiring as Belarus look to end a frustrating four-match losing streak in competitive home fixtures, failing to find the net in the last three. But this encounter is set to be hosted behind closed doors on neutral territory due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. So Belarus will fancy their chances of recording a fourth win in eight Nations League matches (D1, L3). With three of Belarus’ last four internationals yielding the same 1-0 scoreline (W3, L1), scoring first could be of the essence.

As for Azerbaijan, a thumping 2-0 defeat away to Kazakhstan in their Group 3 opener has stretched their scoreless run to three matches (L3). By extension, the ‘Milli komanda’ are now winless in 11 (D2, L9), failing to get on the scoresheet in 55% of them. Since a goalless draw with Luxembourg in their most recent away Nations League fixture, Gianni De Biasi’s men have conceded at least once in their ten subsequent internationals on the road (W1, D1, L8). Azerbaijan’s poor defensive record on foreign soil could prove a massive roadblock in their search for a first Nations League win after five failed attempts (D3, L2).