Turkey host Russia in the UEFA Nations League on Friday night. The two sides were drawn in League B Group 2 alongside Sweden.
Russia are coming off of an unforgettable run at the 2018 World Cup. The host nation unexpectedly made it to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Russia eliminated Spain before being beaten on penalties by Croatia.
In all, it was a great tournament for the Russians after fears of being humiliated were expressed. Turkey haven’t appeared in a World Cup since 2002, but they did appear at Euro 2016. The Turks picked up just three points from nine. They now hope the Nations League will be a re-birth for the national team.
Romanian manager Mircea Lucescu took over Turkey in August 2017. He is now tasked with leading the national side to the UEFA Nations League Group A and through Euro 2020 qualification. Lucescu won just once in six matches to finish out 2017 However, 2018 has been a strong year for the Turks. Lucescu’s charges are undefeated in five matches with wins over Ireland and Iran.
Prior to the World Cup, Turkey held Russia to a 1-1 draw in a friendly played in Moscow. Now, the Turks will try to do one better and defeat the Russians on home soil. Turkey have been earmarked as favourites to win the fixture by leading sportsbooks.
Russia have called up many of the players that featured at the 2018 World Cup. One player the team is expected to count on is Valencia forward Denis Cheryshev. The forward scored four goals at the World Cup. Despite being a non-factor for his club teams previously, Cheryshev earned a loan move to Valencia over the summer. He has already tallied one goal in two matches for Los Che.
Turkey have a very capable forward in their own right. Everton’s Cenk Tosun has been in great form for Turkey as he has registered five goals in seven matches.
The Turks haven’t been shy in front of goal in recent games. Lucescu’s team has scored in eight of their last nine home matches. Russia allowed just seven goals in five World Cup matches, but Turkey offers a far tougher challenge than the Russians’ group stage opponents Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Russia will be up against a very tough to beat Turkey. The match will be played in Trabzon and Turkey have won 16 of their last 18 matches on home soil. Of course, Russia surprised everyone at the World Cup, but Friday night’s match will be far different. Playing away from home in a hostile environment, Turkey will win and start their Nations League campaign on the right foot.