UEFA EURO 2020 – Turkey vs Wales Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Turkey vs Wales kick off? Wednesday 16th June, 2021 – 17:00 (UK)
Where is Turkey vs Wales being played? Baki Olimpiya Stadionu, Baku
Where can I get tickets for Turkey vs Wales? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Turkey vs Wales on in the UK? BBC
Where can I stream Turkey vs Wales in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Turkey 2 wins, Wales 3 wins, 1 draw
Last meeting: Turkey 6-4 Wales (20/08/97)
THE LOWDOWN
TURKEY
- After being comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Italy in the opening match of EURO 2020, Turkey have huge pressure on their shoulders heading into this clash with Wales as they are currently rooted to the bottom of Group A.
- Most worrying from a Turkish point of view was how their defence wilted under Italian pressure, with Turkey now having conceded 12 goals over the course of their last six competitive fixtures.
- Senol Gunes will no doubt be tempted to switch his side around following the Italy game with winger Cengiz Under perhaps likely to be given a start in a bid to provide more of an attacking spark
WALES
- Wales’ first Group A fixture saw them come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw with Switzerland thanks to a headed goal from striker Kieffer Moore, his sixth goal for the Dragons.
- Robert Page’s side were indebted to goalkeeper Danny Ward for helping them gain a point, with the Welsh stopper responsible for multiple saves that kept both the Swiss from pulling clear when one goal up and stealing a late winner with the scores level.
- Wales are likely to field an unchanged side for the match against Turkey, although winger and set-piece specialist Harry Wilson represents a viable starting option for Page should he wish to change formation.
THE TEAM NEWS
TURKEY
PREDICTED XI (4-5-1): Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Soyuncu, Meras; Ayhan, Tufan, Calhanoglu, Kahveci, Under; Yilmaz
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
WALES
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Ward; Roberts, Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Allen; Bale, Morrell, Ramsey, James; Moore
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Only one of Turkey’s previous 16 EURO final tournament matches has finished without a goal being scored (0-0 vs Sweden at EURO 2000; their match vs Croatia at EURO 2008 was actually 0-0 after 90 mins but then finished 1-1 after extra-time) – Both teams to score
- Turkey have lost four of their last five EURO final tournament matches (W1 L4) – Wales to win
- Wales have conceded the first goal in each of their last three EURO final tournament matches – Turkey to score first
- Wales have only failed to score in one of their previous seven EURO final tournament matches – Wales to score
- Turkey have conceded three goals in three of their last five EURO final tournament matches – Wales to score over 2.5 goals
THE PREDICTION
After seeing Italy dismantle Turkey on the opening night, Wales will be confident of three points here against a side whose confidence is likely to be extremely low following that defeat. A tight contest could be on the cards due to the importance of this game, with Turkey looking to find a way to tighten up their backline, whilst also supplying captain Burak Yilmaz with more goalscoring opportunities than they did against Italy. However, the Turkish defence did little to inspire any confidence of a substantial improvement in this match and Wales with the likes of Gareth Bale in their ranks may be set to take advantage by securing a hard-fought victory.
Tip: WALES TO WIN
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
