Turkiye
With Turkiye having overperformed at EURO 24 when they reached the Quarter Finals, confidence was high heading into the World Cup but the were brought down to earth with a bump with a 2-0 defeat to Australia.
They had over 70% possession and took 30 shots on goal but were unable to break down the Socceroos thanks to an inspired display from Patrick Beach. They were then picked apart on the counter attack. Defeat here could signal the end of the campaign that had started with such optimism.
They won’t want to be going into the final game against co-hosts USA next week having to stay in the competition
Injuries & Team News
Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is the major injury doubt for Vincenzo Montella, he was suffering with a calf injury towards the back of the Serie A season and he wasnt fully fit to start against Australia and it looks like he may once again have to settle for a place on the bench.
Both Arda Guler & Hakan Calhanoglu were doubts to start the Australia game and they both looked a little undercooked but they are both expected to start again and will be better for the run out last week.
Either Kerem Akturkoglu or Deniz Gul is expected to start up front, while captain Hakan Calhanoglu takes care of set-piece duty in midfield and full-back Ferdi Kadioglu – who created five chances last time out – will patrol the left flank.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-2 vs Australia | D W W W W L |
Predicted Line-Up
Turkiye (4-2-3-1):
Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Guler, Kokcu, Yilmaz; Akturkoglu
Paraguay
Optimism was high for Paraguay leading in to this World Cup having lost just 2 of the last 13 qualifying matches but that optimism was short lived following a 4-1 defeat to co-hosts USA leaves then facing an uphill task to qualify out of the group.
They were absolutely blown away in the first half through a combination of superb USA attacking and awful decision making from the Paraguayans.
Paraguay were actually considered one of the better defensive sides at the Tournament and had won three of the last four games but there was very little evidence of that.
Injuries & Team News
Paraguay, meanwhile, have two major doubts: Gustavo Caballero missed out against the USA with a muscular issue and Ramon Sosa has an ankle problem.
Following a ragged display last weekend, Alexandro Maidana could replace Junior Alonso at left-back, but Sunderland’s Omar Alderete and captain Gustavo Gomez should both be retained in central defence.
Mauricio will hope to start after scoring as a substitute, even if Alfaro’s front four is well set: key creator Julio Enciso usually joins Miguel Almiron and Diego Gomez in support of lone striker Tonny Sanabria, who was top scorer in qualifying with four goals.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-4 vs USA | L W W L W L |
Predicted Line-Up
Paraguay (4-2-3-1)
Gill; Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Maidana; Bobadilla, Cubas; Almiron, D. Gomez, Enciso; Sanabria
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Turkiye Win | 13/10 (2.30) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 5/2 (4.50) | Dream Vegas |
| Paraguay Win | 3/1 (4.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Turkiye 2-1 Paraguay
Defeat will likely mean the end of the road for one of these teams so you could be forgiven for thinking this will be a cagey affair but im not so sure and i fancy Turkiye to show there class and pick up th win.