Belgium made a strong impression at the World Cup. They began with a pair of draws, but a commanding victory over New Zealand sent them into the playoffs. There, they came from behind to beat Senegal before thrashing the United States. They only lost to Spain after taking the lead, with the turning point coming when Courtois was forced off injured. With Van Bommel in charge, they began their Nations League campaign against Italy—and pleasantly surprised everyone by winning 2-0. Against France, they came close to holding on until the final whistle, but eventually conceded and suffered defeat.
Turkey also featured at the World Cup, but after defeats by Australia (0-2) and Paraguay (0-1), they lost their chance to reach the playoffs. They at least ended the tournament with a win over the United States. In the Nations League, they faced France and offered no response to Mbappe’s goal apart from a sending-off. Their second-round meeting with Italy ended in an outright thrashing, with Turkey only managing a consolation goal.
De Bruyne and company score 2.3 goals per game, but they also concede quite a lot—0.8 per match. Montella’s side averages 1.4 goals scored and almost as many conceded, at 1.3.
Previous matches: Belgium vs Turkey
In the last five meetings, both sides have recorded one win each, with those victories coming at home.
It is hard to believe that the visitors have emerged from their crisis. The hosts should beat an opponent of this caliber with a -1 goal handicap (odds: 1.7).
Belgium vs Turkey: key statistics and trends
Belgium have won four of their last six matches, including the victory over Senegal
Both teams have scored in 50% of Belgium’s matches, and the average total goals per game is 3.1
Turkey have lost four of their last five matches
Both teams have scored in 40% of Turkey’s matches, and the average total goals per game is 2.7
Belgium vs Turkey: possible starting lineups
Belgium play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Lammens—Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, Seys—Lavia, Tielemans—Moreira, De Bruyne, Godts—De Ketelaere. Doku and Onana are doubtful.
Turkey play in a 1-3-4-3 formation (possible lineup): Bayindir—Celik, Demiral, Kabak—Aydin, Kokcu, Ozcan, Elmali—Guler, Yilmaz, Uzun.
