Turkey vs Wales predicted lineups and team news | OneFootball

Craig Bellamy has injected fresh optimism into Welsh football fans since taking charge of the Dragons, but the former Premier League striker knows his team face an enormous challenge on Saturday.

Turkey vs Wales predicted lineups

Turkey (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Kokcu; Kahveci, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu

Wales (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Cabango, Davies; J James, Sheehan; Brooks, Cullen, Wilson; Harris

Bellamy and his squad head to Turkey knowing that anything other than a victory will probably leave their hopes of winning Nations League Group B4 in tatters. Top spot in the section would effectively guarantee a playoff for the 2026 World Cup, so the stakes are high at the Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri.

Harry Wilson has been in sparkling form for Fulham in the Premier League and Wales, who have renewed hope thanks to a four-game unbeaten run, will be hoping that he can inspire a famous victory which would see them overtake Turkey at the group summit.

Turkey are in the driving seat, though, sitting two points ahead with two games to play and facing bottom-placed Montenegro in their final fixture – Wales host Iceland on Tuesday in their final group match.

Bellamy’s team enjoyed a 1-0 victory over Montenegro last month, but this mission is much tougher. Wales drew 0-0 with Turkey in Cardiff in September in a match which saw Baris Alper Yilmaz sent off for the visitors at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Turkey likely to adopt cautious tactics

If Turkey and Wales draw on Saturday, the hosts will be in a commanding position in this Nations League group. Wales would have to beat Iceland and pray that Turkey lose to Montenegro – a Welsh thrashing of Iceland and a draw in Montenegro could also see the Dragons go top, but that seems unlikely too.

Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella seems likely to set his side up in defensive fashion. A draw would be a great result for the home side, so the Italian will not want a gung-ho attitude from his players.

The last four meetings between Turkey and Wales have been extremely low-scoring affairs featuring lots of cards, so expect another tight, tetchy contest.

A stop-start match will suit the home side, who will look to deny the visitors any chance to build attacking rhythm, and referee Juan Martinez Munuera could be in for a difficult night.

Expect Turkey to employ all of football’s ‘dark arts’ to turn this match into an ugly, low-scoring affair.

Turkey vs Wales team news

Turkey have some injury issues to overcome, with Emirhan Topcu and Ahmed Kutucu both looking unlikely to make the game. Caglar Soyuncu and Ozan Kabak are crocked, while Irfan Kahveci and Dogan Alemdar have also been struggling on the treatment table and will face late examinations.

Wales will once again have to do without Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu, while Ollie Cooper is also missing.

Kieffer Moore, Wes Burns, Owen Beck and Nathan Broadhead have also pulled out of the Welsh squad, leaving manager Bellamy with some thinking to do. The gaffer will be pleased to have Daniel James in his squad for the first time, though.