Friday 10/10/2014, 21:45, Euro 2016 Qualification, Turkey vs Czech Republic

Turkey vs Czech Republic Preview

The qualification campaign for the European championship of 2016 has begun and Turkey started on the wrong foot. They lost on the road against Iceland and are now in dire need of victory over the Czech Republic, who prevailed in the opening round. Much to their credit, they managed to defeat the Netherlands in a game that they dominated from start to finish, with the decisive goal coming in the final minute of overtime.

Turkey vs Czech Republic Odds

At Unibet

Turkey 2.30, Draw 3.20, Czech Republic 3.50

Turkey vs Czech Republic Tips

Turkey played prudently in the opening round and only used one striker, which made it very difficult to take the initiative in Iceland. This also allowed the hosts to take advantage of their overly aggressive starting formation, with Sigorsson spearheading the offensive. He is their most prolific striker and alongside Bovarsson can cause a great deal of pain to teams that retreat in their own half.

Turkey would've settled for a point on the road, but now that that ship has sailed, they are desperate to claim victory in Istanbul. The Czech Republic is not the best traveling team in Europe, but following their dazzling performance against the Netherlands, they are not to be underestimated.

Yilmaz is the player that everyone is anxiously waiting for to come out firing on all cylinders, but manager Terim can't allow him to get stranded upfront once again. In order to prevent this outcome, another striker should be sent in from the first minute and right now Bulut looks like the best choice.

By comparison, the visitors are probably trying to consolidate the slight advantage they have ahead of the pack, with a draw on the road being their objective. There will be no changes in the starting formation, with Lafata as the only striker, even though he got replaced in the second half. By now, the Turkish side should be fully aware of the danger posed by Pilar, the player who scored the decisive goal last week.

Key Facts

• The Czech Republic has the advantage in head-to-head games, but the two teams have split point in Istanbul in the five games played so far.
• The Czech Republic failed to keep a clean sheet in the last five games and allowed the total of eight goals

Turkey vs Czech Republic Prediction

The odds for a home win are exceptional, given the fact that Turkey is an excellent home team, while the Czech Republic usually struggles on the road. Motivation is also sky-high with the hosts, who will press on from the first minute, while the visitors would gladly settle for one point. Unibet is the bookmaker to go to if you plan on backing the hosts at full stakes, as the odds stand at 2.30.

Bet: Turkey @ 2.30 with Unibet