Turkey takes on Wales in what is a must win game for both teams after failing to secure any points in their first encounters. With both teams needing a win, it should really make for a great watch.
Euro 2020: Group A
Wednesday 16 June
Baku Olympic Stadium
18:00
To Win
Turkey 13/10
Draw 43/20
Wales 23/10
Turkey
The Turks defended well in the first half of their encounter against Italy, with the score being locked 0-0 at halftime. In the second half, they decided to be a bit more adventurous which resulted in their demise. A few changes from off the bench and a change of their shape saw them concede three goals against four-time World Champions, Italy.
A few positives to look forward to for the Turkish outfit, is that when they do attack, they do look quite dangerous and that showed when Cengiz Ünder, the Leicester City winner, came off the bench and was running at the Italian defence. If they do decide to attack, they should put up a strong challenge.
If they can mix those hints of attacking prowess with their defensive strengths, they should be able to stand strong and put together a strong performance against the Welsh.
Wales
Wales did not show any hints of their best football when they took on Switzerland in their first game, scoring a late second half equalizer to save a point against the Swiss.
With that game and a point under the belt they should look a much better team and will possibly give a finer account of themselves against the Turks.
With the “Welsh Xavi” Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey running the show in the middle of the park, they will be hoping to unlock the Turkish defence and find Daniel James and Gareth Bale in attacking positions.
Bale, who loves scoring goals for his country will be trying to lead from example and guide his team to a must needed win.
The Welsh will be looking to find the same form that elevated them to the semi-finals of the Euro 2016 competition.
Prediction: Draw (47/20)
We can expect an end-to-end game with both teams knowing that winning is a must, as a loss for either of these teams will all but seal their fate and eliminate them from the competition. This game looks extremely hard to call and the question is, do you choose Turkey’s team to win the game, or do you rely on Wales individual brilliance to pull through? I’m going to leave that question unanswered and tip the total markets – Over 2.5 Goals @ 15/10.
Written by Venal Naidu