Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Turkey will be looking to keep their 100% record in Group 1 intact when they take on Luxembourg in Istanbul. The Turks have been impressive in the Nations League, with the team scoring 14 goals in the process, while keeping a clean sheet in each of their four group games. Kayserispor defender Onur Bulut has received his first Turkey call-up, while Inter ace Hakan Calhanoglu misses out with injury. Fenerbahce attacker Serdar Dursun is widely expected to lead the line for the hosts.
Luxembourg, on the other hand, are eyeing their third win of the process, but given Turkey’s impressive record in the Nations League, anything but a routine home triumph would be a major surprise. As always, a man to keep an eye on in the away team will be Al Wehda attacker Gerson Rodriguez, who has netted two goals in the competition to date.
Highlighted Player (Hakan Calhanoglu):
Hakan Calhanoglu is another one in the long line of Turkish footballers who were born in Germany, so it is hardly surprising he came to prominence thanks to his performances in Bundesliga. The attacking midfielder with great vision and very good goalscoring record started his professional career at Karlsruher, scoring impressive 17 goals in 50 league outings to earn a move to Bundesliga side Hamburg.
The spell at Imtech Arena was merely a stepping stone for bigger things as 11 goals in his debut top flight campaign persuaded Bayer Leverkusen to splash nearly €15 million on his services. That proved a very good investment as Calhanoglu continued the rich vein of form, and it is now a matter of time before he joins one of European powerhouses.
The midfield maestro had a bright start to his career in the Turkey national team, scoring 5 goals in first 16 caps, and chances are he will become a leader for Milli Takim in the foreseeable future.
Highlighted Team (Luxembourg):
Luxembourg national football team is controlled by Luxembourg Football Federation and they play their home games at Stade Josy Barthel. Les Lions Rouges have never qualified for the finals of a major tournament, but they often make life difficult for European teams in the qualifiers.
Luxembourg defeated Macedonia in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, but a victory over Czech Republic in the 1996 European Championship qualifying match is considered the team’s biggest success. Les Lions Rouges play their home matches in red shirts and red shorts, while they wear white jerseys and white shorts when playing on the travels.
Jeff Strasser is both the most famous and the most capped Luxembourg player and it has to be noted that the former Bundesliga player made 98 appearances for the national team. Luxembourg recorded their biggest win against Afghanistan (6-0), in the match that was played in London in 1948. Speaking of their biggest defeat, Luxembourg were outclassed by England 9-0 on two occasions (1960, 1982).