Too many strikers spoil the broth. Daryl Horgan replaces Aaron Connolly.

JoeB: Can we just sack him now, this team is not well managed at all and people saying give him time is just stupid, he's in way over his head.

These stats were true before today...

The Republic of Ireland are winless in their last 14 competitive matches, their longest run in their history.

They haven’t scored in any of their last four home matches, their worst run in their international history.

After losing 1-0 to Luxembourg in their first World Cup 2022 qualifier, the Republic of Ireland are looking to avoid losing two consecutive home matches in qualifying for a major tournament since losing to Italy and Austria in May 1971 in European Championship qualifying.

Azerbaijan are ranked 112th in the world, in between North Korea and Mozambique.

Simon Atkins: Undone by Ronaldo (with a helping hand from the ref!) against Portugal, but this score-line is all their own doing. Abysmal defending, and frankly, playing like this they'll be lucky to get a point in the group,

This would be a devastating blow for the Republic of Ireland and Stephen Kenny if they were to lose this.

They're not going to qualify for the World Cup anyway but any of that momentum and enthusiasm from running Portugal so close would be gone.

Emin Mahmudov has scored all three of Azerbaijan’s qualifying goals so far this campaign - from only four shots.

Hmmmm.

Oh no.

One minute added on.

Azerbaijan are allowed to play advantage when the Irish had stopped to defend a free-kick. They break into the box quickly but fortunately it's hacked away.

Troy Parrott evades about three or four tackles but eventually loses the ball. Three minutes to the break. This isn't great.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has his second and Serbia lead Luxembourg 2-0.

As things stand, the Irish are NINE points off the play-off place with four (and a half) games to go.

The Irish have their first shot on target now. Aaron Connolly gets the ball on the left, cuts inside and hits one in from 20 yards. It's actually weak enough and the keeper saves. He spills and then gathers the loose ball as Adam Idah got ready to pounce.

It's a bit scrappy right now. Both sides are coughing up possession too much.

The visitors have a corner but it's deflected and Gavin Bazunu catches it.

Bazunu is winning his sixth cap today. He's only 19.

Better from the Irish again now. Aaron Connolly beats his man and puts in a cross which Adam Idah heads just wide at the near post.

One of the Republic's better chances as they haven't had a shot on target yet.

Image source, Getty Images

Azeri keeper Sahruddin Mahammadaliyev rushes to the edge of his box to punch away a Josh Cullen ball. He's been very proactive to come off his line to deal with things.

Troy Parrott tries a ball into the box but neither Adam Idah nor Aaron Connolly can control.

This is the first time the three youngsters have started a game together.