Turkey take on Spain in this FIFA World Cup qualifier (WCQ) after both made winning starts to their campaigns on Thursday.
Match News and Current Form
Turkey were certainly made to work for their victory on matchday one of this WCQ cycle, staving off a late Georgia comeback to emerge 3-2 winners. That made it four victories in five matches for Vincenzo Montella’s men (L1), who will be hoping to carry that form into reaching the World Cup for just the second time in their history. A third-placed finish at the 2002 edition has been followed by five successive failures to even qualify, and the Crescent-Stars’ mettle will certainly be tested here against elite opposition.
Spain missed out on further glory in the summer when losing the final of the UEFA Nations League on penalties against Portugal, but moved on quickly to dispatch Bulgaria 3-0 on Thursday. It’s just the start that Luis de la Fuente’s men wanted as they look to secure direct qualification for a 13th successive World Cup, and all signs point to that continuing as it’s been over two years since La Roja were last beaten inside 90 minutes in a competitive setting.
Head-to-Head History
Spain have lost just one of the 11 previous H2Hs (W6, D4), with that sole defeat coming back in March 1954. Turkey have lost each of the last four meetings, scoring just once in that sequence.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Turkey have scored before half-time in each of their last four competitive outings.
Five of Turkey’s last six games have produced over 2.5 goals.
Spain have kept ten clean sheets in their last 14 WCQ away games.
Each of Spain’s last five goals came before half-time.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Arda Güler has kicked off the season in fine form, having directly contributed to a goal in his last three appearances for Turkey and Real Madrid (G1, A2). Helping his side to a clean sheet for a third time in his last four appearances for club and country, Marc Cucurella also scored his first international goal in Spain’s win over Bulgaria.
Neither side appear to have any new injuries, but Turkey's Barış Alper Yılmaz will be suspended after being sent off against Georgia.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Turkey’s strong form makes this an interesting match-up, so backing Spain to win with both teams to score could be a smart option.
Author: Luke Bridle