The 2018/19 UEFA Nations League continues this week as the players take a break from club duty to join up with their country. The Nations League has produced some competitive games among teams on the same level and on 17th November we have a vital game between Turkey and Sweden at the Konya Büyükşehir Stadium, Konya.
Turkey cannot win the group having won 3 points from three games. They have just this match remaining and are 4 points behind Russia. Sweden can finish above Russia but need to win their two remaining games, which includes this match.
Turkey were always playing catch-up in the UEFA Nations League B, Group 2 when they lost 2-1 at home to Russia on the opening match day. Having conceded an early goal, Turkey equalised in the second half only to concede another goal just a few minutes later.
Their second game was in Sweden and Turkey sealed all 3 points thanks to two dramatic late goals. It appeared Turkey were on course to lose their second match in succession but goals in the 88th and 92nd minute sealed a vital 3-2 win.
However, the trip to Russia did not produce a points return and Turkey lost the game 2-0, which ended their hopes of winning the group. Interestingly, the defeats to Russia are the only losses Turkey have suffered in their last nine games but they have won just three of those matches.
Home form is not great and Turkey have won just two of their last six, keeping only two clean sheets.
Sweden know they must win this match having made a poor start in the UEFA Nations League. The 3-2 loss at home to Turkey was a huge blow and immediately put Sweden on the back foot. It looked as though they had all 3 points in the bag and conceded two late goals to suffer defeat.
The 0-0 draw in Russia that followed was a decent result but having lost to Turkey at home, Sweden really need all 3 points from that game and they are now under pressure to win their remaining two fixtures.
The Swedes have struggled ever since their elimination from the World Cup at the hands of England. Including that defeat, Sweden have lost three and drawn two of their last five matches. They have won just one of their last eight on the road.
Team news and Turkey will be looking towards two players from the Italian Serie A to light up this game. Both Cengiz Under of Roma and Hakan Calhanoglu of AC Milan are expected to start the game behind Cenk Tosun.
Sweden have been hit with three withdrawals from their squad with Niklas Hult, Ken Sema and Sam Larsson pulling out due to injury. Marcus Berg is expected to lead the line, while Seb Larsson and Andreas Granqvist provide plenty of experience in midfield and defence.
Given the nature of the first game between these two teams, we should be in for a close match. However, having won the first meeting, Turkey will feel confident of taking maximum points and relegating Sweden in the process.