Azerbaijan U21 vs England U21 Prediction: England heavy favourites to win

England are aiming to keep their position in the top two qualifying spots - with a potential to take top place – when Lee Carsley’s outfit face Azerbaijan in Baku.

The hosts, by contrasts, are just playing for pride in the Group F fixture at Azərsun Arena on Friday afternoon (12:00). Alumbir Nahal has previewed this one and given us his Azerbaijan U21 vs England U21 prediction.

Team news

The headline has been an absentee, after Manchester United sensation Kobie Mainoo was called up to the senior squad for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Lee Carsley has given debut call ups to Luton defender Teden Mengi and midfielders Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth, Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka and Leeds United’s Archie Gray. All have featured in the England younger age set ups.

In-form Liverpool defender, Jarrell Quansah and Manchester City’s Rico Lewis have also been selected.

Azerbaijan had a poor qualifying tournament, sitting joint bottom on three points following a 3-2 win against Luxembourg in November 2023. Within their squad is goalkeeper Amin Ramazanov and winger Nariman Akhundzada, who both play for Qarabag.

Match odds

England are big favourites within this fixture 1/25, Azerbaijan are coming in at 22/1. The draw is at 9/1, with both teams to score at 13/8.

England to win and both teams to score @ 2/1

England are heavy favourites to win – but they have conceded goals in the past. And their loss against Ukraine in October may give Azerbaijan a glimmer of hope to score. In addition, Azerbaijan put three goals past Luxembourg earlier in qualifying, showing that there is a slim goal threat.

Over 4.5 goals @ 6/4

England have a strong goal scoring threat with Harvey Elliot of Liverpool and Hull City’s Tyler Morton both in the squad. England have scored 20 goals so far, with their biggest win coming against Serbia in October in a 9-1 thrashing.

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