Turkey vs Wales
Turkey vs Wales takes place at the Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan on June 16 in the second round of matches of Group A. Having been comprehensively beaten 3-0 in their opening match against Italy in Rome, Turkey now have to pick themselves up for this match against a Welsh side who got a creditable draw with Switzerland. Read on for our analysis, match predictions and betting tips.
Form
As much as Turkey struggled against Italy in their opening match, the scoreline reflected more the superiority of the Italian forward line and the dominance of Roberto Mancini’s side than anything else. Turkish coach Şenol Güneş talked afterwards of how his side could not maintain possession of the ball which stopped them from threatening the Italian goal; against Wales that might not be so much of a problem.
Wales started slowly against Switzerland in their opener and were relieved when VAR ruled out for offside what could have been the winner from Mario Gavranovic. Their equaliser came from Cardiff City striker Kieffer Moore, who started the game as Wales coach Robert Page switched from his usual striker-less 3-4-3 to a 4-2-3-1. Moore was dominant in the air and the Turkish backline will need to stay close to him and prevent widemen Daniel James and Gareth Bale from supplying him with headers in the box.
Injuries
There are no fresh injury concerns for Turkey going into this game, with no players picking up a knock in their opening match. The biggest issue the Crescent-Stars potentially face is the long journey from Rome to Baku, which will not help their preparations. Against Italy, Turkey played in a defensive style hoping to negate the Italian attack and it might be that Şenol Güneş refreshes the lineup with more attacking intent against a weaker Wales side.
Wales got through the opening match without picking up injuries, and the bigger question will be how brave caretaker coach Robert Page will be in his match selection. While Moore justified his inclusion up front, Gareth Bale had a quiet game on the wing and assist apart, Luton Town midfielder Joe Morrell looked massively out of his depth. Cardiff forward Harry Wilson and Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks could come into the 11.
Match Prediction
Turkey come into this match as favourites despite their heavy opening defeat in Rome. Although they face a long trip to Baku, the Azeri capital is much more like home for the Turkish side than it ever could be for Wales and that might work in their favour. The bookies don’t think there will be goals in it though, with under 2.5 goals as low as 1.45 in some places. The big call will be in the BTTS market, and it will be worth checking betting tips here from the knowledgeable tipsters because there may be value in this market if they think Turkey will struggle with the aerial threat of Kieffer Moore.