The hosts need a win at Windsor Park to draw level on points with their opponents.
Northern Ireland’s Conor Washington, William Grigg and Kyle Lafferty
Following their joyous Euro 2016 experience, Northern Ireland are striving to ensure that their presence at a major tournament will be felt again in two years time.
They have made a solid if unspectacular start to their qualifying campaign and this evening welcome Azerbaijan, who themselves have got off to a flyer in Group C.
The visitors have collected seven points from their first three games to sit second behind Germany. Northern Ireland may be favourites, but they will have to avoid complacency at Windsor Park.
The Key Battle – Kyle Lafferty v Maxim Medvedev
Northern Ireland’s Kyle Lafferty celebrates scoring their second goal
Lafferty stole the headlines with his goalscoring exploits in Northern Ireland’s last qualifying campaign and netted a brace against San Marino in October.
He faces a tough opponent in Medvedev, who has Europa League experience with his club side FK Qarabag and is also a threat from set-pieces; the 27-year-old netted Azerbaijan’s winner against Norway during the last international break.
Last Meeting:
Azerbaijan came out on top in the most recent encounter between these two nations, winning 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier in October 2014.
Overall, there have been five meetings between the two, with one win apiece and three draws.
Northern Ireland’s Steven Davis celebrates scoring their first goal
Recent form – most recent last:
Northern Ireland – WLLDWL
Azerbaijan – DLDWWD
Who’s the ref?
Frenchman Clement Turpin takes the whistle in Belfast, having also refereed Northern Ireland’s 1-0 defeat to Germany at Euro 2016.
So far this season, Turpin has shown 29 yellow cards and no reds in his 11 games in all competitions.
Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill celebrates
What time is kick off?
The match starts at 7.45pm.
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports 1 are broadcasting this one live, with their build-up beginning at 7.30pm.
Odds
Northern Ireland – 7/10
Draw – 5/2
Azerbaijan – 9/2
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