UEFA Nations League (UNL) D edges closer to its conclusion for the final time as Liechtenstein look to score their first goal in Group D2 this season against unbeaten leaders Azerbaijan.
Match News and Current Form
There is no sense of jeopardy ahead of Liechtenstein’s penultimate match in League D, as the winless Blue-Reds (D1, L1) will be promoted whatever happens due to the competition’s impending restructure, which will see it reduced to three tiers. Despite that fact, Konrad Fünfstück’s men still have pride to play for and have the chance to end a rotten six-game run without scoring since their 4-1 loss to Aruba in the FIFA Series (D1, L5). Each of the five defeats in that sequence finished 2-0, while Liechtenstein have lost their last eight home internationals without finding the net.
Azerbaijan have played one more game than Liechtenstein in this three-team group, and thanks to their solid if uninspiring unbeaten record (W1, D2), they can secure top spot with a win here. Their 1-0 triumph over Lithuania last month was their first UNL victory since September 2022, thus ending an eight-match winless run in the competition (D3, L5) which led to them suffering relegation from League C. Now they are searching for back-to-back competitive victories for the first time since achieving that feat in the UNL in 2022/23, but they must win a competitive away game for the first time since October 2023 in order to accomplish that task (D1, L7).
Head-to-Head History
Liechtenstein won the first H2H 2-1 in 1998, but have failed to score against Azerbaijan in the five subsequent meetings between the nations, losing on three occasions (D2). All five goals in the two Vaduz-held games have arrived after half-time (W1, L1).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Seven of Liechtenstein’s last eight matches produced under 2.5 goals.
Just two of Liechtenstein’s last 18 games saw both teams score.
Azerbaijan only scored 2+ goals in two of their last 24 matches.
Just one of Azerbaijan’s last seven games was decided by a 2+ goal margin.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Emanuel Zünd is the last player to have scored for Liechtenstein, but just one of his last five goals for club or country against senior opposition arrived before half-time. Azerbaijan’s UEFA Champions League participant Abdulakh Khaybulaev was the matchwinner against Lithuania, part of a run of six goals for club or country which has seen the midfielder find the net before the break each time.
Liechtenstein captain Nicolas Hasler has withdrawn from their squad through injury, but Azerbaijan seemingly have no fresh absentees.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Neither side have been prolific recently, so under 2.5 goals could offer value here.
Author: Matthew Billon
