SM
Yemen vs. Saudi Arabia: 5 hrs 59 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data

Five big talking points ahead of Wales' Euro 2020 clash with Turkey

:Headline: Five big talking points ahead of Wales' Euro 2020 clash with Turkey:
Both sides are looking for their first win of the tournament.
Sports Mole

Wales are back in Euro 2020 action against Turkey on Wednesday.

Both sides are looking for their first win of the tournament, with Wales having drawn their opener against Switzerland 1-1, while Turkey were beaten 3-0 by Italy.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points surrounding the Group A clash at Baku's Olympic Stadium.

Bale inspiration required

Wales will be seeking inspiration from captain Gareth Bale against Turkey on Wednesday (PA)

Gareth Bale, Wales' talisman and record goalscorer, has not scored for his country for 12 games, a run stretching back to October 2019. During that time, however, Bale has still come up with crucial assists and match-winning moments. But he was isolated in Saturday's draw with Switzerland as Wales struggled for possession and was the least effective of the Dragons' three-man attack. Bale is still capable of deciding big matches, but Wales must surely find him more in the final third to sample some Turkish delight.

Moore service needed

Kieffer Moore scored Wales' equaliser against Switzerland (PA)

Wales have a match-winner in Kieffer Moore, the 6ft 5ins former lifeguard who was playing non-league football at Forest Green when Chris Coleman's side reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Moore's size, strength and hold up play provides Wales with a rare attacking weapon in international football and his eye for goal was underlined with his superb headed equaliser against Switzerland. But Wales must get higher up the pitch and improve the service from wide areas to the Cardiff targetman.

Tactical tweaks

Wales interim coach Robert Page has big calls to make over his tactics and formation against Turkey (Nick Potts/PA)

Caretaker boss Robert Page reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation in Wales' opener, with the plan for Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Daniel James to support Moore. Ramsey was used as a false nine ahead of the tournament as Wales played without a conventional centre-forward in a 3-4-3 system. Page will consider returning to that formation with Connor Roberts and Neco Williams offering huge energy down the flanks. But Ramsey could drop deeper alongside Joe Allen, allowing Wales to start with more forward-thinking players in a game they probably must win to progress.

State of group

Group favourites Italy celebrated an opening 3-0 win over Turkey (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Italy came into Euro 2020 on the back of a 27-game unbeaten run and underlined their class by dismantling Turkey 3-0. It would be a major surprise if the Azzurri did not march on and win the section for a round-of-16 Wembley tie against the runners-up of Group C. Wales complete their group fixtures against Italy in Rome on Sunday, so the Turkey clash has a now or never vibe about it. Turkey were considered Euro 2020 dark horses before a ball was kicked, but badly came off the rails in Rome and must regather quickly. Switzerland are a thoroughly decent outfit and sure to have a say in qualification.

Past meetings

Hakan Sukur scored four goals in a 6-4 Turkey win over Wales the last time the two nations met in 1997 (Haydn West/PA)

The two nations have not met since a crazy 10-goal affair in August 1997 when Turkey won 6-4 in Istanbul. Hakan Sukur, the 'Bull of the Bosphorus', scored four against Bobby Gould's side that night. Earlier in 1998 World Cup qualifying, the two sides had played out a goalless draw in Cardiff. Wales had won three of their previous four meetings, including a 4-0 and 1-0 double in 1982 World Cup qualifying. The first two games in 1980 European Championship qualifying produced 1-0 home wins.

body check tags ::

amp_article__451431 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2021-06-15 10:33:44:
html db last update - 2021-06-15 10:33:44 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html
Share this article now:
LD
Read Next:
Neco Williams excited for 'away' day experience against Turkey
>


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Read more about Gareth Bale Kieffer Moore Aaron Ramsey Rob Page Hakan Sukur Daniel James Neco Williams Football
Follow @SportsMole for the latest breaking news stories, and follow @sm_headlines to get every headline from Sports Mole
Recommended Next on SM
Neco Williams excited for 'away' day experience against Turkey
Ranking the top 20 volleys in Premier League history

Page options

Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

Preview: Chelsea vs. Fulham - prediction, team news, lineups

1

PC

Fulham out to end 45-year wait in Chelsea clash

2

FO

Preview: Middlesbrough vs. Sheff Weds - prediction, team news, lineups

NEW

3

PM

Ranking the top 20 volleys in Premier League history

NEW

4

RT

Man City back on track as Man United disappoint: Premier League GW18 predictions

5

MC

Could Madueke return to the fold? Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Fulham

6

CM

Preview: Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace - prediction, team news, lineups

7

PB

Preview: Norwich vs. Millwall - prediction, team news, lineups

8

PN

Saka salvation? Gunners offered the chance to sign forward from European giant

9

SS

Three or four at the back? Predicted Forest XI against Spurs

10

TO


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .