Heading: Wales Look to Bounce Back Against Turkey
After a devastating 4-2 home loss to Armenia, Wales manager Robert Page says their defeat has been “put to bed” as they look to bounce back in Turkey on Monday evening. Wales’ hopes of reaching Euro 2024 have taken a huge blow, but Page is confident that the team is still in transition and will be able to compete with top nations.
Team News
Wales will be without defender Ben Davies against Turkey after he withdrew from the squad for the birth of his first child. Neco Williams and Morgan Fox are the candidates to replace Davies at left-back, though Page could revert to a back five once more. Wales are also missing target man Kieffer Moore, as the Bournemouth striker was shown a straight red card against Armenia for kicking out at the goalkeeper off the ball. Fellow Cherries player David Brooks could also make a first international start since 2021, following his recovery from Stage Two Hodgkin lymphoma.
Match Facts
Heading: Match Facts
Wales have won four of their previous seven meetings with Turkey (D1 L2), winning the most recent game 2-0 in Baku at Euro 2020. Wales’ last away game against Turkey was in August 1997 in a World Cup qualifier – they came from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 in the first half, and also led 4-3 in the second half before eventually losing 6-4. Turkey lost 2-0 at home against Croatia in their first home European Championship qualifier of this campaign – they haven’t lost consecutive home qualifiers within the same campaign since losing to Poland, England and the Republic of Ireland in Euro 1992 qualifying.
Wales have won just one of their past 11 matches (D3 L7), with their 1-0 victory against Latvia in March also their only clean sheet in this run. Wales’ 4-2 defeat by Armenia last time out was the first time in 49 qualifying matches (including play-offs) they conceded four goals or more in a game since losing 6-1 against Serbia in 2012. Including play-off matches, Wales have only failed to score in one of their past 18 qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championship, doing so in a goalless draw at home against Estonia in September 2021.
Cengiz Under has been involved in 14 goals in his past 16 appearances for Turkey, scoring seven and assisting seven. Brennan Johnson has been involved in four goals in his past six starts for Wales (two goals, two assists), setting up Dan James’ opener against Armenia last time out.
Conclusion
Wales face a tough challenge against Turkey on Monday evening, but manager Robert Page is confident that his side can put their defeat by Armenia behind them and compete with top nations. With both sides missing key players, it will be interesting to see how the match plays out. Wales have had some success against Turkey in the past, but they will need to be at their best if they are to get a result on Monday night.