Northern Ireland get ready for crucial clash in Baku

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Northern Ireland are preparing for a crunch World Cup qualifying clash in Azerbaijan on Saturday.

Michael O'Neill's men are currently sitting second in their group, five points behind leaders Germany. 

It's half-way through the qualifying campaign and after home wins against Azerbaijan and Norway the Green and White Army are in pole position to claim a play-off place as they bid to reach the finals in Russia next year.

The manager says it's important to maintain the momentum built-up so far.



O'Neill says he expects West Brom defender Gareth McAuley will be fit to play after missing last Friday's 1-0 friendly win against New Zealand at Windsor Park. 

The squad has been having a warm weather training camp in Turkey this week in preparation for Saturday's showdown (5pm kick-off our time).

Northern Ireland beat Azerbaijan 4-0 in Belfast last November, but captain Steven Davis says it will be a different ball game in Baku.

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