On Monday, Iceland will host Turkey in Reykjavik, aiming to level the playing field in League B Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League. With both teams vying for top positions, this clash promises to be crucial for their ambitions.
Match Preview:
Iceland demonstrated resilience in their last match against Wales, recovering from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw. The hosts displayed a strong second-half performance, showcasing their fighting spirit as substitute Logi Tomasson played a pivotal role in the comeback. Currently ranked 71st in the world, Iceland finds themselves in third place in the group, but they still have hopes of promotion back to League A, making this home fixture against Turkey a must-win.
Turkey, led by coach Vincenzo Montella, has enjoyed a strong run in the Nations League, currently sitting at the top of the group. Their recent 1-0 victory against Montenegro, thanks to a late goal from Irfan Kahveci, solidified their position as leaders. Despite a previous loss to Iceland in their recent encounters, Turkey’s attack, bolstered by players like Kerem Akturkoglu, who scored a hat-trick in their last meeting, will be looking to assert their dominance on the road.
This match is critical for both sides. Iceland must leverage their home advantage, while Turkey aims to maintain their unbeaten streak in the competition. With both teams motivated, fans can expect an intense and competitive match at Laugardalsvollur.
Team News:
Iceland:
Iceland will be without Lille winger Hakon Haraldsson and centre-back Brynjar Ingi Bjarnason due to injuries. Sverrir Ingi Ingason is expected to continue in defense, while Gylfi Sigurdsson, who came off the bench against Wales, might return to the starting XI. Young striker Andri Gudjohnsen is likely to lead the attack.
Possible Iceland Starting Lineup:
Valdimarsson; Sampsted, Gretarsson, Ingason, Tomasson; Anderson, Gudmundsson, Thordarson, Thorsteinsson; Sigurdsson; Gudjohnsen
Turkey:
Turkey will miss first-choice goalkeeper Mert Gunok, with Ugurcan Cakir stepping in as the starter. Several players, including Caglar Soyuncu and Ozan Kabak, are sidelined due to injuries. Montella may rotate his squad, possibly integrating Kenan Yildiz, Zeki Celik, and Irfan Kahveci into the lineup after their performances against Montenegro.
Possible Turkey Starting Lineup:
Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Kokcu; Kahveci, Guler, Yildiz; B. Yilmaz
Prediction:
Given Iceland’s spirited second-half performance and their historical success against Turkey at home, they will be confident heading into this match. While Turkey boasts an impressive attacking lineup, their away form could hinder their chances.
Prediction: Iceland 2-2 Turkey
This encounter promises to be closely contested, with both teams needing a strong performance to further their ambitions in the Nations League. The home crowd in Reykjavik is expected to play a vital role in supporting Iceland as they seek to pull off an upset against the group leaders.
