Austria will be hoping to begin their European Championship qualification campaign with a victory at home against Azerbaijan on Friday.

However, the visitors potentially represent dangerous opponents having won each of their last five games ahead of their trip to Linz.

Players to watch: Austria talisman and most capped current international Marko Arnautović will be desperate to make a statement considering he’s scored eight Serie A goals this season, but has played just 16 minutes of Bologna’s last five matches!

Ramil Sheydayev scored Azerbaijan’s most recent goal and started this month with a double on the road for Qarabağ.

Hot streak: Austria’s last nine home games have produced at least one goal inside 40 minutes.

Austria form (all competitions):

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Azerbaijan Euro Champ Qualifying form:

Azerbaijan form (all competitions):

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Austria possible starting lineup:

Lindner; Lienhart, Alaba, Wober; Mwene, Laimer, Seiwald, Adamu; Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic

Azerbaijan possible starting lineup:

Balayev; Haghverdi, Mustafazade, Hasanalizade, Cafarguliyev; Almeida, Mahmudov; Sheydayev, Isayev, Kokcu; Gurbanli

Austria 2-0 Azerbaijan

Having kept clean sheets in each of their friendly victories during November, Austria should be confident of holding Azerbaijan at arm’s length at home on Friday.

Although the visitors have won each of their last five matches, none of their opponents were at a level close to Austria’s ability, suggesting that Rangnick’s side should be able to kick-start their qualification campaign with a comfortable victory.