Looking to claim an immediate Nations League response on Thursday evening, Belgium will travel to Izmir when they meet Turkey.
With a stacked schedule from across the continent this week, there are plenty of eye-catching Nations League betting promotions available.
Ahead of Thursday's League A showdown, you can find all of the key Turkey vs Belgium H2H stats here.
Verdict: Zeki Celik over 0.5 fouls
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker:Â BetUS
Turkey
Starting with the hosts, while new boss Sergen Yalcin might have only been appointed last month as Vincenzo Montella's replacement, the former Besiktas manager has an almighty job on his hands. Although the Crescent Stars might have touched down in North America over the summer regarded as a genuine dark horse contender, they endured a public World Cup nightmare. Failing to punch a knockout stage ticket, Turkey have once again shown a string of glaring issues since opening their Nations League adventure. Last seen signing off September's extended break with a 3-1 loss at the hands of Italy last month, Yalcin's downbeat squad look set to lose their League A status with a whimper. In fact, hit with a routine 3-0 drumming when they met Belgium for their reverse Nations League showdown on October 2nd, Thursday's hosts have lost all of their first four League A appearances by an aggregate score of 11-2.
Turkey Team News
Despite missing out during September's extended international break with a muscle issue, Turkey have welcomed back talismanic skipper Hakan Calhanoglu. However, still dealing with a long-term foot injury, Juventus' Kenan Yildiz remains on the sidelines and won't play any part this month.
Once again finding the net during Real Madrid's 3-0 La Liga victory away at Valencia last weekend and enjoying a stellar run over the past month, 21-year-old Arda Guler could play a leading role in the final third. Now in his second campaign with Turkish giants Galatasaray, Ugurcan Cakir will start between the sticks.
Belgium
As for the visitors, signing off September's extended international break with a 4-1 drumming against fellow European giants France last month, Belgium mark their return on Thursday's evening seeking an immediate Nations League response. Nevertheless, still with their sight set on punching a knockout stage ticket, Mark van Bommel's men will certainly be excited by their moist recent showdown against the midweek hosts. Cruising their way to an empathic 3-0 victory when they welcomed Turkey to Liege for their reverse Nations League showdown on October 2nd, the Red Devils will be dreaming of a repeat performance on foreign soil. However, despite smelling a potential opportunity here, Belgium are searching for some welcomed defensive stability. It should be highlighted, van Bommel's camp have failed to register back-to-back competitive clean sheets over the past 13 months.
Belgium Team News
Despite recently returning from a minor knock, new Newcastle recruit Matias Fernandez-Pardo has been omitted from Belgium's squad this month. Likewise, both recovering from respective injury issues, the duo of Malick Fofana and Koni De Winter will also not feature this month.
Completing a permanent switch to Turkish giants Fenerbahce over the summer, all-time leading goalscorer Romelu Lukaku could spearhead Belgium's charge in the final third. Despite enduring a nightmare domestic campaign with Premier League heavyweights Manchester United, Senne Lammens should start between the sticks on Thursday evening.
Turkey vs Belgium Key Factors to Consider
- When Turkey and Belgium met for their reverse Nations League showdown on October 2nd, the Red Devils stormed their way to a 3-0 victory in Liege.
- Turkey have lost each of their opening four Nations League matchups by an aggregate score of 11-2.
- In fact, continuing on from their World Cup struggle over the summer, Turkey have lost five of their last seven appearances across all competitions.
- Belgium have failed to register back-to-back competitive clean sheets over the past 13 months.
- Six of Belgium's previous eight appearances across all competitions have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Seeking an immediate Nations League response when they travel to Turkey on Thursday evening, Belgium will certainly be excited by their reverse League A showdown against the midweek hosts. Cruising their way to a routine 3-0 victory when they welcomed the Crescent Stars to Liege on October 2nd, van Bommel's men will be seeking a repeat performance here. Meeting a Turkey squad who find themselves at the heart of an extended crisis, Belgium should be smelling a potential opportunity on Thursday evening.
Verdict: Zeki Celik over 0.5 fouls
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker:Â BetUS
