Turkey and the Republic of Ireland meet in a friendly encounter on Friday evening, with both sides looking to return to winning ways following what has been a frustrating few months on the international scene. Neither side will feature at the upcoming World Cup, with managers Mircea Lucescu and Martin O’Neill under pressure ahead of kick-off as a result.
International Friendly – Antalya Stadium, Antalya – Friday 23rd March – 17:30 UK Time
Turkey vs Republic of Ireland Match Preview
Turkey host the Republic of Ireland at the Antalya Stadium later this week, with the two nations looking to give their fans something to shout about following their failure in qualifying for the World Cup. A trip to Turkey is never an easy task, with the home side being the favourites for victory with many. Meanwhile, those still unsure of who to back ahead of kick-off should be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Turkey Team News & Form
Turkey boss Mircea Lucescu has named an experienced playing squad for their upcoming match, with the likes of Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Everton striker Cenk Tosun likely to test the opposition defence on a regular basis. Elsewhere, youngster Enes Unal will be hoping to add to his ever-growing reputation for the hosts, with the Villarreal man having impressed in La Liga over recent weeks.
Republic of Ireland Team News & Form
The visitors lost 5-1 at home to Denmark last time around, meaning that their hopes of reaching the World Cup were ended emphatically. Everton defender Seamus Coleman will return to the international scene for the first time since coming back from long-term injury, while the likes of Shane Long, James McClean and Ciaran Clark bring vast levels of experience. However, players such as Harry Arter, James McCarthy and John O’Shea all miss out for differing reasons.
Turkey vs Republic of Ireland Head to Head
The two nations have met 11 times in the past, with the Republic of Ireland having won five of such encounters, as well as registering five draws in the process. However, Turkey came out on top the last time the duo met back in 2014, running out 2-1 winners in a friendly match away from home.
Turkey vs Republic of Ireland Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite having won just once in their last six outings, their status as the home team on Friday evening means that it comes as little surprise that it is Turkey who are the favourites for victory with the majority of major online bookmakers. The home side can be backed for victory at best odds of 19/20 with bookmaker Ladbrokes, while those looking to bet on a success for the Republic of Ireland can get a price of 16/5 on the same platform. Meanwhile, a draw between the two is available at odds of 11/5 with Paddy Power.
Turkey vs Republic of Ireland Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being under 2.5 goals scored during the 90 minutes on Friday, with odds of 8/5 available at William Hill.