TURKEY – SCOTLAND | Wednesday 7 pm
While the others prepare to play in the World Cup, those who have not qualified are almost forced to play these international friendlies which make little sense honestly but which FIFA’s studied calendar obliges them to play. And the one between Turkey and Scotland is one of them. The hosts, after finishing second in the group behind the Netherlands, were eliminated by Portugal in the playoffs; the latter, on the other hand, were ousted by Ukraine after still having done well in the group stage, finishing behind Denmark. But then, in the playoffs, it went badly for both. And here is this difficult challenge to swallow and we, in Italy, know something about it too.
Well, looking at the likely line-ups that the two coaches will send out, there is very little doubt as to who could be the favourite team. Turkey, in fact, in addition to having the advantage of playing at home, have in their squad players of absolute value who play in the best European leagues and who, once they put aside the disappointment of not having gone to the World Cup, will want to end this 2022 with at least one satisfaction with the jersey of their national team. Of course, both coaches could give a debut to some element summoned for the occasion. But without a shadow of a doubt, there is one favourite formation. And it is the one where Calhanoglu plays.
The Prediction
A heavy favourite for Turkey who, as mentioned, will field elements that have international experience and also have important technical qualities. It will be difficult for Scotland to get a positive result. And for the guests, this should break a streak of four useful matches in a row.
Turkey v Scotland (Turkey v Scotland): line-ups
- TURKEY (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Celik, Kabak, Soyuncu, Elmali; Kocku, Kadioglu; Kahveci, Calhanoglu, Under; Unal.
- SCOTLAND (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Ramsay, Hendry, McKenna, Robertson; McTominay, Gilmour; Fraser, McGinn, Christie; Dykes.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1