Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Facing what is a must-win World Cup qualifying showdown on Saturday night, Turkey will travel to Sofia when they meet Bulgaria.
Bulgaria
Starting with the hosts, suffering Nations League heartbreak back in March as they missed out on the chance to book a League B spot as they eventually fell to a 4-2 aggregate defeat against Ireland, Bulgaria find themselves at the heart of yet another public struggle. Getting their World Cup qualifying campaign underway with consecutive 3-0 defeats against Georgia and reigning European champions Spain last month, new boss Aleksandar Dimitrov has seen his squad come under serious scrutiny. Signing off their summer preparations with a woeful 4-0 drumming at the hands of Greece, the Lions have continued to show some glaring issues at both ends of the pitch. Along with shipping 16 goals in their six appearances so far this calendar year, Bulgaria have also failed to find the net in almost 300 minutes of action.
Bulgaria Team News
Announcing his first international squad this month, Dimitrov has recalled the likes of Dimitar Velkovski, Petko Hristov, Ivan Turitsov and Oxford United attacker Filip Krastev. Playing his domestic football with Primeira Liga outfit Estrela da Amadora, Atanas Chernev has been handed a first senior call-up.
Appearing to have recently cemented his spot as Bulgaria’s number one choice, Levski goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov should keep his spot between the sticks on Saturday night. PAOK winger Kiril Despodov will lead out Dimitrov’s side this weekend and earn a 57th International cap.
Turkey
As for the visitors, while Turkey might have opened their respective World Cup qualifying adventure with a dramatic 3-2 victory away at Georgia on September 4th, , the Crescent Stars came crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion last time out. Completely blown away on home soil as they slumped to a woeful 6-0 drumming at the hands of reigning European champions Spain, Vincenzo Montella’s men know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. Booking a famous top-flight Nations League ticket earlier in the year as they secured a stellar 6-1 aggregate win against Hungary, Turkey should be smelling a golden opportunity this weekend. Winning three of their previous four competitive appearances across all competitions, the one-time AC Milan boss finds his squad pencilled in as a standout contender here.
Turkey Team News
Shown a straight red card against Georgia on September 4th, Galatasaray ace Baris Alper Yilmaz will once again miss out through suspension this weekend. However, eventually staying put at Italian giants Inter Milan over the summer, Hakan Calhanoglu will lead out Turkey on Saturday night and earn an historic 100th international cap.
Enjoying a sensational start with Real Madrid and playing a leading role under Xabi Alonso, Arda Turan will play a leading role in the final third. One-time Leicester City defender Calgary Soyuncu should start at the heart of Montella’s defence here.
Bulgaria vs Turkey Key Factors to Consider
- When Bulgaria and Turkey last met back in 2015, the Crescent Stars cruised their way to a 4-0 romp on home soil.
- Bulgaria opened their World Cup qualifying adventure with consecutive 3-0 defeats against Georgia and Spain.
- Turkey’s opening two Group E showdowns have produced 11 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- Despite falling to a 6-0 drumming against La Roja last time out, Turkey have won each of their other three competitive appearances across all competitions.
- Bulgaria have shipped seven goals in their three home fixtures so far this calendar year.
Conclusion
Eventually falling to a woeful 6-0 defeat at home against Spain last time out, Turkey know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. Looking to get their World Cup qualifying charge back underway here, Montella’s camp should be smelling a golden opportunity on Saturday night. Watching Bulgaria get their respective Group E campaign underway with consecutive 3-0 losses against La Roja and Georgia, the Lions have continued to show some glaring defensive struggles so far this calendar year.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Dachbet
