Turkey vs Wales betting tips and predictions: Top of the table on the line in key Nations League matchup

By Daniel Coyle

Turkey state of play 

Turkey look to extend their great start in this season’s UEFA Nations League with a fourth straight victory when they host Wales on Saturday in Group B4 action at Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri, Turkey. The Crescent Stars have followed up an impressive run to the quarter-finals at Euro 2024 by going undefeated in four Nations League contests, capped by a decisive 4-2 victory over Iceland last month. 

Overall, Turkey have scored eight total goals during their current 3-1-0 run but have produced mixed results against Wales, failing to score in six of 10 all-time meetings including a scoreless draw in September to open their Nations League schedule.

Wales state of play 

Wales have also managed to avoid defeat so far in this season’s Nations League action, notching up a 2-2-0 win-draw-loss record, capped by last month’s 1-0 win over Montenegro. Although, The Dragons have been far less prolific than Turkey, mustering just five total goals through their first four tournament matches.

However, that marks a dramatic improvement after the squad failed to find the back of the net in each of their three previous outings, a run that began with a scoreless draw, with Poland in Euro qualifying last March. The Dragons have also struggled mightily away from home, posting just two wins in 12 away matches since October 2021. 

Key talking point: Can Turkish star Muhammed Kerem Aktürkoğlu rediscover scoring touch?

Turkish midfielder Muhammed Kerem Aktürkoğlu has cooled off considerably since making his highly publicised move to Benefica this past September.

Aktürkoğlu scored eight times in his first seven matches, with the Primeira Liga, but has been held off the scoresheet in his past five league contests. However, the 26-year-old has remained productive with the national side, scoring four times in his past three Nations League outings.

FIRST’s top tip for Turkey vs Wales – Harry Wilson to score anytime at 19/4 with Coral

Harry Wilson enters the international break on an impressive scoring pace. He now has the chance to take on more responsibility when Wales visit Turkey in Saturday’s Nations League action and there is plenty of reason to be confident his form will continue. The 27-year-old midfielder has notched three goals in his past two Premier League appearances with Fulham and has been equally prolific when suiting up for the national side; with goals in each of his past three appearances. 

Wilson’s current form not only adds value to the 19/4 odds of him scoring anytime on Saturday but it also makes a value bet on him scoring multiple goals at 40/1 worthy of consideration.

Extra tips 

Bet Builder: BTTS and Turkey to win at 5/2 with Matchbook

While Turkey have already assured themselves of promotion to League A, going 3-1-0 in group stage action, Wales still have work to do to punch their ticket. Indeed, a victory over Turkey would move The Dragons to the top of the table, at least temporarily. Accordingly, expect Wales to look to strike early once again with red-hot Harry Wilson leading the attack. 

However, The Dragons’ firepower simply does not compare to Turkey, who have scored 24 times over their past 10 matches on home soil across all competitions; and who are well positioned to exploit Welsh injuries in Saturday’s contest.

Team news

Wales will be without Kieffer Moore for the squad’s two upcoming Nations League contests after the veteran forward reportedly suffered a calf injury in Sheffield United’s visit to Bristol City earlier this month.

The loss of Moore is a big blow to The Dragons. The 32-year-old has scored 13 times in 47 career caps, with the national side including the opener in the Dragons’ 2-1 win over Montenegro in early September.

Turkey return to international play largely free of injury and will be aiming to extend their current unbeaten streak on home soil to eight matches in the Nations League on Saturday night. 

Turkey vs Wales predicted line-ups 

Turkey: Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Muldur; Calhanoglu, Kokcu; Akgun, Guler, Aktürkoğlu; B. Yilmaz (4-2-3-1)

Wales: Ward; Roberts, Rodon, Cabango, Davies; Allen, Sheehan; Johnson, Wilson, Thomas; M. Harris (4-2-3-1)