Prediction: Turkey vs Wales

Prediction: Turkey win

Best Odds: 11/8

Bookmaker: 888sport

UEFA Euro 2020 is well and truly up and running with some fascinating games to sink our teeth into over the course of the next few days. One such example of that is the battle between Turkey and Wales in Group A with both hoping to register their first victories of the tournament. Neither are viewed as contenders to win the whole thing but even with that being the case, they’re still dangerous enough to warrant a closer look at what they can do.

Turkey

Turkey have always been able to thrive off the back of being the underdogs and we don’t expect this edition of the Euros to be any different. They’re the kind of team who could easily sneak through the back door and qualify for the knockout stage without even looking all too impressive in the group – especially now that third place sides can make it through. The quality may not always be there, but the determination to succeed certainly is.

Team News

The expectation is that Turkey will make a handful of changes due to the disappointing nature of their defeat to Italy. Under, Can Kahveci and Ayhan all want to start with Calhanoglu hoping to make his way into the middle instead of out on the wing.

Wales

The Welsh national team has had to endure some difficulties both on and off the pitch throughout the last few months but now, they finally seem to have settled into the right kind of rhythm. Whether or not that’ll translate into any wins in this year’s tournament remains to be seen but avoiding defeat here would set them up nicely for their final game against Italy – and as we all know, pressure makes diamonds.

Team News

Moore’s heroics against the Swiss should ensure he features here with Wilson dropping to the bench as a result. Ampadu is thought to be a real option in midfield but aside from that, we aren’t expecting to see all too many changes from Wales.

Factors to Consider

• Turkey lost their opener to Italy 3-0 whereas Wales drew 1-1 with Switzerland.
• Turkey are likely to come forward with attacking intent, especially after their opening defeat.
• Wales struggle to score goals having been unable to score more than one in 12 of their last 13 matches.
• Turkey are expected to have heavy fan support inside the stadium in Baku.
• The depth of Wales’ squad has been called into question heading into the tournament.

Conclusion

All signs, in our view, are pointing towards Turkey coming away as the winners from this game. We just think they’ll want to do everything in their power to prove they didn’t show the best version of themselves against Italy and by comparison, we do feel as if they’ve got a stronger, more organised side than the Welsh. It’ll start off competitive but the Turks will eventually get into the right rhythm that sees them through to a nice 2-0 victory.

Prediction: Turkey win

Best Odds: 11/8

Bookmaker: 888sport