Turkey have been one of the biggest surprise-packages in qualifying for Euro 2020. They are currently top of Group H, ahead of world champions France by virtue of a superior head-to-head record.
On Friday night Turkey could move closer to sealing a spot in next European Championships, as they host Albania at the Vodafone Park.
The home side head into this potentially vital clash having won five of their last six qualifiers for Euro 2020, while scoring at least twice in four of their victories. At the other end of the pitch, they have also kept clean sheets in five of their six qualifiers.
Last time out, the home side recorded a 4-0 away win at strugglers Moldova. The win means that Turkey have now lost just one of their last 14 games in qualifying for the European Championships.
They are also extremely difficult to beat on home soil, as they are unbeaten in seven home qualifiers, having recorded five wins in the process. Turkey have also kept clean sheets in their last five home qualifiers, including against the likes of the Netherlands and France.
Albania are currently fourth place in the group on nine points. The visitors are still in with a chance of qualifying, but they are currently six points behind the two teams in the qualification spots France and of course Friday night’s hosts.
If they suffer defeat in this clash and results go against them elsewhere, their qualification will be all-but over.
Albania’s recent form in qualifying has been inconsistent, as they have won three and lost two of their last five qualifiers. However, a 4-2 victory over third-place Iceland last time out kept their slim qualification hopes alive.
Forebet predicts that Turkey will strengthen their qualification chances by recording a victory in a high-scoring clash, hindering the visitor’s chances in the process.