Tournament: UEFA Nations League B
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff)
Date & Kick-Off Time: 2024.09.06, 14:45
In the first round of the UEFA Nations League B, Wales will host Turkey in Cardiff. Both teams are looking to start the campaign on a positive note, with Wales hoping to bounce back from their recent poor form, while Turkey aims to carry momentum from their solid Euro campaign into this match.
Key Statistics and Trends
- Wales: Has won only 1 of their last 6 matches.
- Turkey: Has won 3 of their last 5 matches.
- Away Form: Turkey has not won any of their last 5 away matches.
- Goal Scoring: Wales has failed to score in their last 3 matches.
- First-Half Performance: Wales wins the first half in 40% of their matches, while Turkey wins in 26%.
Possible Line-Ups
Wales:
- Goalkeeper: Ward
- Defenders: Davies, Ampadu, Cabango, Stevens
- Midfielders: Sheehan, Jordan James, Daniel James, Ramsey, Johnson
- Forward: Moore
Turkey:
- Goalkeeper: Günok
- Defenders: Kadıoğlu, Bardakçı, Akaydın, Ayhan, Muldur
- Midfielders: Yıldız, Çalhanoğlu, Özcan, Güler
- Forward: Yılmaz
Team Overview and Form
Wales ("The Dragons"):
Since Gareth Bale’s retirement, Wales has struggled to find a new talisman to carry them through difficult matches. They finished third in their Euro qualifying group, managing only 12 points, and have failed to score in their last three games. Under new coach Craig Bellamy, they are in a transition period, and the absence of key players like Wayne Hennessey adds to the challenge.
Turkey ("The Janissaries"):
Turkey had an impressive run at the Euros, making it to the quarterfinals under Vincenzo Montella’s guidance. Despite a heartbreaking 1-2 loss to the Netherlands, the team showed promise, defeating Georgia, the Czech Republic, and Austria in the knockout stages. Montella has expanded his options for this match, aiming to build on their strong summer form.
Head-to-Head Matches
Wales holds a slight edge historically, with 4 wins to Turkey’s 3 in 9 encounters. In last year’s qualifiers, Turkey won 2-0 at home, while the teams drew 1-1 in Cardiff.
Tactical Analysis and Predictions
- Wales: Wales will rely on their defensive structure and try to exploit counter-attacks with Daniel James and Brennan Johnson. Moore’s physical presence up front will be key in set-piece situations. The return of Aaron Ramsey provides a much-needed creative spark.
- Turkey: Turkey will look to dominate the midfield, with Çalhanoğlu pulling the strings. Yılmaz will lead the attack, with support from young talents like Güler and Yıldız. However, their recent away form suggests they may struggle to fully impose themselves on the game.
Betting Prediction
Given the form of both teams and the nature of this matchup, it’s unlikely that this will be a high-scoring affair. A bet on "under 2.5 goals" seems like a solid choice, with odds of 1.68.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals (odds: 1.68).
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