Turkey vs Iceland
EURO Qualification
Date: Thursday, 14 November 2019
Kick-off at 17:00 UK/ 18:00 CET
Venue: Ali Sami Yen (Istanbul).
TURKEY
Leader Group H Turkey claimed an impressive 1-1 draw in France last time out and the point will be enough for them to book their place in EURO 2020.
Kaan Ayhan, who came off the bench to score the equalizer in France, is likely to start in central defense ahead of Merih demiral, who has made just one start for Juventus this season.
The striker Cenk Tosun also pushing for a recall after playing more regularly for Everton lately, while midfielder Irfan Can Kahveci has been ruled out because of injury.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Gunok; Celik, demiral, Soyuncu, Meras; Yokuslu, Tekdemir, Belozoglu; Tosun, Yilmaz, Calhanoglu
Not available: Kahveci (Injured)
doubtful:
ICELAND
Iceland must win this game to stay in contention for the two qualifying places but they have lost two of their three away games in this campaign.
Coach Erik Hamrén is without an experienced partner Aron Gunnarsson and Johann Berg Gudmundsson because of injury so the child Arnor Sigurdsson should start in midfield again after scoring in the 2-0 win against Andorra.
There are no new faces in the squad and it could be the same starting line-up that faced Andorra, with Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and Alfred Finnbogason lead the attack.
Predicted line-up (4-4-1-1): Halldorsson; Palsson, R. Sigurdsson, Arnason, Skulason; A. Sigurdsson, Sigurjorsson, Bjarnason, Traustason; G. Sigurdsson; Sigthorsson
Not available: Gunnarsson (Injured), Sigurdarsson (Hurt), J. Gudmundsson (Injured)
doubtful:
Turkey Vs Iceland Match
Turkey has seen consistency retaining more problems down the road and this has proved expensive in Iceland (2-1) in which they lose only a few days after beating France. They have since beaten expected Andorra (1-0) and Moldova (0-4), picked ahead may be an important clash in October and November. They then got an impressive draw against France in a 1-1 meeting. The only blot came away to Iceland on June 11 as they suffered a 2-1 defeat, a result that could ultimately come back to haunt them when all is said and done. Currently ranked 36th in the world by FIFA, the Crescent-Stars to the semi-finals of the European Championships back in 2008 but did not pass in 2012 before dumped out in the group stages at Euro 2016.
Iceland will be looking to make amends for their disappointing 4-2 defeat against Albania last time against the Turkish team.
Turkey vs Iceland prediction
Turkey displayed the confidence and determination in bravely take the world champions in their latest match. They already have a mental edge, as France has lost on the road against the same rivals. With h2h points to be the first tie-breaker in case the two teams finish on the same number of points, it is very important that Turkey does not lose in the reverse fixture.
As expected, the French had lined up with the squad is very large, but the guests managed to hold them off for longer periods of time. At 76 minutes, the world champs find the back of the net and looked set to avenge their defeat in the first round. But against expectations, Turkey equalized scorecard just nine minutes from full time, and held it until the end, to make a strong claim to the top spot.
Iceland Meanwhile, with the help of home advantage, scoring a victory over one of the weakest team in the group, Andorra. Not only did they sign up to win, but they kept a clean sheet as well.
This next-day match, both teams will be keen to win. Only two games remain in this qualification stage, and with the French in the same mix, no more points can be awarded for the drop.
Iceland did win the reverse leg of the match-up is fantastic and has done well in h2h clashes recently. They also have a phenomenal fighting spirit, and with the opportunity to enter into the parent of the Euro, we can rely on them to find the back of the net at least once.
However, with the false belief after the French, and the support of the home crowd, Turkey not to hold the upper hand here. In addition, experience-wise, they are miles ahead of that of Iceland as well, and finally, Iceland show on the road during the last few games has been shambolic at best.
Taking these observations into account, relying on Turkey to emerge as the winner on Thursday.
