Turkey impressed at Euro 2024, but after losing their first two matches at the World Cup, they were left with no chance of reaching the knockout stage before the final game — though they did beat the USA. Montella was kept in the job at the time. But in the Nations League, Turkey lost all four matches under him. Vincenzo was eventually sacked and replaced by Yalçın.
Belgium, by contrast, shone at the World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals — only to lose to eventual champions Spain after conceding in the 88th minute, following the injured Courtois’s substitution. Even so, Rudi Garcia was replaced as manager by Van Bommel. His first match in charge ended in a 2-0 win in Italy. In October, Belgium also beat Turkey at home, 3-0. But they lost both matches against France.
Güler and company are currently scoring 1.2 goals per match and conceding 1.7. Their Benelux visitors score two goals per game and concede 1.2.
Previous meetings: Turkey vs Belgium
The visitors tipped the balance in their favour in October. Before that, both teams had three wins apiece, along with three draws.
A change in the dugout is unlikely to turn everything around straight away. Our pick is an away win (odds: 1.95).
Turkey vs Belgium: key stats and trends
Turkey have lost six of their last seven matches
Both teams have scored in 40% of Turkey’s matches, with an average of 2.9 goals per game
Belgium have won five of their last eight matches
Both teams have scored in 60% of Belgium’s matches, with an average of 3.2 goals per game
Turkey vs Belgium: possible starting line-ups
Turkey are expected to line up in a 1-5-4-1 formation: Çakır — Çelik, Elmali, Kabak, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu — Akgün, Yüksek, Özcan, Kahveci — Şimşir
Belgium are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation: Vandevoordt — Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, Seys — Raskin, Lavia, Vanaken — Lukebakio, Lukaku, De Cuyper. Moreira will miss the match
