Kosovo vs Turkey - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

Published on: 11/06/2017

Kosovo vs Turkey - World Cup Qualification Europe Preview and Odds

June 11, 2017 19:45pm - Stadiumi Loro Borici

World Cup Qualification - Group I

Newly-inaugurated international team Kosovo will look to cause an upset when they take Group I play-off candidates Turkey in Shkodër on Sunday night.

After waiting so long to secure representation at international level from FIFA, the Kosovans started their World cup qualification campaign well with a 1-1 draw away to Finland. Since then, they have fallen to four straight defeats including a 6-0 hammering at home to group favourites Croatia.

Last time out, they put in a solid performance in a 2-1 Group I defeat to Iceland but they have not been involved in any warm-up matches making it hard to assess them ahead of this clash.

Meanwhile, Turkey remain unbeaten in four matches, although their last performance, a 0-0 draw in Macedonia, left a little to be desired. Prior to that they eased to a 3-1 win over Moldova and their last two qualifying matches also produced wins.

They were hit by the news this week that Barcelona midfielder Arda Turan was retiring from international football following an altercation with a journalist. That news will come as a blow to the team who will now be lacking a star name in their name.

Turkey are currently sat in fourth place in the group but are just two points adrift of the crucial play-off position. Anything other than a win in this game will be treated as a disaster amongst the fans as well as the Turkish Press.

Recent form (All competitions)

Kosovo: LLLLD

Turkey: DWWWL

Betting odds and tips

Kosovo have scored in all but one of the home matches they have played since appearing on the international scene three years ago. As a result, they can be expected to at least get on the score sheet here.

Turkey have only won one of their last five away matches and are experiencing some internal strife. This could produce a close game than many are predicting.

For this game, a wager on the Draw at 13/2 looks good value, while a small stake on Kosovo to win at 20/1 is also worth considering. A price of 11/8 for Both Teams to Score also looks tempting.

You can back the Draw at 13/2 and Both Teams to Score at 11/8 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris