Group H leaders Turkey welcome Iceland on Thursday, and the hosts know a point will be enough to see them book their place at UEFA Euro 2020.
Turkey have enjoyed a remarkable qualifying campaign so far. They claimed an impressive 1-1 draw with reigning world champions France last time out, and also beat Les Bleus 2-0 in the reverse fixture.
Senol Gunes’ side have lost just one of their eight qualifying matches so far, winning six and drawing one. They have scored 16 goals (at an average of two goals per game). They also possess the best defensive record in the group, having conceded just three goals.
However, Iceland beat Turkey 2-1 in the reverse fixture, and they must win this game in order to stay in contention for automatic qualification. With that being said, Iceland come into this game having lost two of their last three Group H away matches.
Iceland comfortably beat Andorra in the previous round, while they have also picked up victories over Moldova, Albania and Turkey in their last six outings. Despite beating Albania at home, a 4-2 hammering away dealt Iceland’s qualification hopes a huge blow.
Kári er klár í komandi verkefni. @karibestmeister getting ready for #turisl #fyririsland pic.twitter.com/DhiRm8TnkS— Knattspyrnusambandið (@footballiceland) November 10, 2019
Kári er klár í komandi verkefni. @karibestmeister getting ready for #turisl #fyririsland pic.twitter.com/DhiRm8TnkS
Erik Manren’s men have scored 12 goals across their eight qualifying games. Still, they have conceded 10, and this will be a concern for the team as they travel to Turkey. The home side have a far superior goal difference.
To make matters worse, Iceland will be without the experienced duo of Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Aron Gunnarsson. Both players will miss the match due to injury.
As for Turkey, midfielder Irfan Can Kahveci will not be available for selection, while Cenk Tosun will be hoping to lead the line. The striker has been getting more game time as Everton recently, and he remains the country’s main goal threat.
Turkey have enjoyed some impressive runs at major tournaments over the years, and it’s starting to feel like it might be time for the nation to shine once again. The fact that they sit above France at this stage of the qualifying campaign is an achievement in itself.
Iceland have burst onto the international scene more recently, but despite qualifying for the last two major tournaments, it looks as though they will have to settle for the playoffs this time around.
Forebet predicts that Turkey will claim a narrow victory to secure qualification. Another clean sheet for the home side is also looking likely.