Our prediction for this Nations League match:
There will be fireworks when Turkey and Wales square off against each other at Kadir Has Stadium in an eagerly-awaited Nations League game. Turkey are eyeing their fourth consecutive win in Group 4 and they must be high on confidence following a 4-2 victory over Iceland. Juventus rising star Kenan Yildiz misses out through suspension, while Benfica attacker Kerem Akturtoglu and Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu both made the cut.
The Dragons, on the other hand, defeated Montenegro thanks to Harry Wilson’s goal from the penalty spot in the last group game, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry in Istanbul. As Turkey have been producing excellent displays under Vincenzo Montella, we predict that the visitors are going to return home empty-handed. Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey remains on the sidelines with injury as well as Ethan Ampadu and Ollie Cooper, while Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson is back to the starting XI.
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 (Wales):
Despite being part of the United Kingdom, Wales national football team has been competing in FIFA tournaments since 1950, although they have so far only reached two tournament finals. The Dragons surprised everyone by making it to the quarter-finals at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, but little did they know that it would remain their only World Cup appearance up to date.
Wales had plenty of problems in the European Championship qualifiers as well, but they finally managed to end the barren run by securing their place at the Euro 2016 in France. Led by the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ashley Williams, the Dragons performed admirably throughout the campaign and even reached the 8th position in the FIFA Rankings in October 2015.
Neville Southall remains the team’s most capped player, but the generation that included Ryan Giggs, Gary Speed, Craig Bellamy and John Hartson will also be remembered for some impressive performances against top European national teams.