Prediction: Turkey vs Wales

Verdict: Turkey win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

In what is a real must-win showdown on Saturday evening, Wales will travel over to Kayseri when they meet Turkey.

Turkey

Starting with the hosts, while Turkey might have been left heartbroken over the summer as they suffered EURO 24 quarter-final heartbreak, the Crescent Stars have have continued to shine over the past few months. Last seen putting in an action-packed display as they secured a 4-2 victory away at Iceland, the mood in Vincenzo Montella’s camp appears to be at a real high. Putting 10 points on the board from their four Nations League appearances this year, Turkey know that they can book a maiden League A ticket this weekend. Now losing just one of their previous seven matchups across all competitions, Saturday’s hosts will be looking to lay down another marker on home soil. It should also be noted, aside from a 3-0 loss at the hands of Portugal back in June, that is the only defeat that Montella’s side have suffered in front of their own supporters since March of last year.

Team News

Making the decision to switch his international allegiance to Turkey earlier in the year, Porto’s Deniz Gum has been called up to Montella’s squad. Opening his Nations League account against Iceland last month, Inter Milan ace Hakan Calhanoglu will lead out the Crescent Stars this weekend and earn a 95th international cap.

While Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler might have only earned 16 minutes of La ligament action over the past month, the 19-year-old will feature from the start here. Now playing his domestic football with Saudi giants Al-Ahil, Merit Demiral will partner Roma’s Zeki Celik at the back.

Wales

As for the visitors, making the decision to appoint Craig Bellamy over the summer, the former Burnley coach certainly had a real job on his hands. Failing to book a EURO 24 ticket back in March as they suffered penalties heartbreak at home against Poland, the Dragons had come under plenty of scrutiny. Last seen on October 14th claiming a hard-fought 1-0 win against Montenegro, Saturday’s guests are unbeaten in all of their four Nations League appearances. However, despite snatching a 0-0 stalemate when they welcomed Turkey to Cardiff for their opening showdown on September 6th, Wales have continued to show some glaring inconsistencies on foreign soil. In fact, Bellamy’s new squad have recorded just a pair of victories outside of Cardiff since way back in October 2021. If the Dragons are to dethrone Turkey and book an automatic League A ticket, Wales face a must-win challenge.

Team News

Watching Ipswich’s Nathan Broadhead withdraw from Bellamy’s squad earlier in the week, Leeds youngster Charlie Crew has been handed a maiden senior call up. Missing out last month after dealing with an injury issue, former Manchester United star Daniel James has been handed a recall.

Likewise, despite announcing his international retirement over the summer, ex-Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen has made a U-turn and returns to Wales’ squad. However, Aaron Ramsey is still dealing with an injury and will not feature over the next fortnight.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Turkey and Wales met for their reverse Nations League showdown on September 6th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 0-0 stalemate on Cardiff.
• Wales have recorded just a pair of wins on foreign soil since back in October 2021.
• Turkey have won each of their last three Nations League appearances by an aggregate score of 8-3.
• Likewise, the Crescent Stars have lost just one of their last seven matchups across all competitions.
• Wales have conceded seven goals in their last three appearances away from Cardiff.

Conclusion

While Wales might still be dreaming of the chance to book a League A ticket over the next fortnight, the Dragons should have a real challenge on their hands here. Watching Turkey win all of their previous three straight Nations League appearances by an aggregate score of 8-3, Saturday’s hosts have continued to shine since their EURO 24 adventure over the summer. With Montella’s side losing just a single showdown on home soil since back in March 2023, we are predicting a home victory this weekend.

Verdict: Turkey win 

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet