Turkiye are aiming to continue their fine start in Group B4 of the UEFA Nations League as they host Montenegro on Friday. Montenegro have been out of sorts in recent times and should be no match for The Turks, who are playing with plenty of confidence at the moment.
It has been a solid start to the UEFA Nations League for Turkiye, who are unbeaten after two matches. Having battled to a 0-0 draw with Wales in their opening fixture, they eased to a 3-1 victory over Iceland last time out with Kerem Akturkoglu netting a hat-trick.
Turkiye’s good form is an extension of their fine showing at the European Championship where they reached the quarter-finals. Vincenzo Montella’s men are also often solid at home and are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in front of their fans, claiming seven wins in that run.
In contrast to Turkiye’s promising start, Montenegro are finding it difficult in this year’s competition, losing both their matches. They began with a 2-0 defeat to Iceland before falling 2-1 to Wales last time out.
The problem for Montenegro is that their poor form did not just start with the UEFA Nations League as they have been out of sorts for a long time. Robert Prosinecki’s men head into Friday’s clash on a four match losing run.
How the bookies view it: Smooth sailing for Türkiye
Turkiye have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 2/5 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Montenegro is valued at 15/2 while Betfred is also offering 18/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Turkiye unblemished
Turkiye have never lost to Montenegro, claiming two wins and as many draws from four previous matches. The last meeting was a 2022 World Cup qualifier which ended 2-1 in favour of the Turks with Akturkoglu on target.
Players to watch: Akturkoglu to stay hot
Akturkoglu has been in good form for both club and country in recent times and netted a hat-trick last time out for Turkiye. The forward was also on target in the last meeting with Montenegro and is priced at 7/5 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
As always Montenegro will be hoping for some spark from Stevan Jovetic. The veteran forward is often involved in much of their attacking moves and is priced at 7/2 by Betfred to get on the score sheet on Friday.
Probable line-ups
Striker Baris Yilmaz was suspended for Turkiye’s win over Wales and should return to the team on Friday. Akturkoglu is expected to provide support in attack while Hakan Calhanoglou is set to continue in midfield.
Nicola Krstovic is expected to feature in attack for Montenegro on Friday, with Jovetic providing support. Milos Brnovic is set to continue in midfield while Adam Marusic should start in defence.
Turkiye: Gunok, Celik, Bardakci, Demiral, Kadioglu, Yuksek, Calhanoglu, Guler, Yildiz, Akturkoglu, Yimaz
Montenegro: Mijatovic, Marusic, Sipcic, Rubezic, Vukcevic, Brnovic, Jovovic, Camaj, Jovetic, Krstovic, Mugosa
Anything else catch the eye?
Turkiye saw over 3.5 goals in their previous fixture and a repeat is priced at 7/4 by Betfred. Over 2.5 goals could also be considered at 4/6 with Betfred, who is also offering evens in both teams to score.
The Turks are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, so a win and both teams to score could be considered at 21/10 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Turkiye and Montenegro will be played on Oct 11, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Turkiye vs Montenegro prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
