Turkey vs France Predictions

Turkey are out to extend their winning start to the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign on Saturday night. The only problem is that they’re facing the world champions in Konya. Turkey are aiming to keep up their 100% start as they try to book a place at the European Championships, but France have also kicked off on the right foot. This is a clash between two sides on four-game winning runs, so who will be able to come out on top in this tight clash?

Turkey haven’t been holding back in preparing for this huge game, they’ve played two warm-up friendlies in this international break already. Wins at home to Greece and Uzbekistan have taken them onto four wins from four in 2019, which has built up expectation ahead of Saturday’s big game. Turkey know how difficult it’s going to be to make it to Euro 2020, even with their strong start. France are likely to win the group, while Albania and Iceland also have top-two ambitions.

The current format of Euro 2020 qualifying means that there’s little jeopardy for France overall. They should make the top two in this group, it’s hard to see a scenario where things go wrong for them from here. The world champions are likely to head to the Euros as one of the favourites, but they need to relish their tough tests on the way. There won’t be many crucial nights for France in this qualifying campaign, so a hostile trip to Turkey early in the group is a test which should spur them on.

France were solid in qualifying for Russa, as they lost just once on their travels. They were able to keep three clean sheets in the five games, while Didier Deschamps has built a functional side who are solid at the back. That’s been clear in their recent games, which has brought three clean sheets in four matches. They’ll know that they’ll need to be at their best in this tricky clash, so we expect a big game from the French defence.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s recent success comes from an improved defensive record. They’ve kept four clean sheets in five games, conceding only once in that time. They’ve won their opening two group games without conceding, while we expect Turkey to try and keep things tight against the French as they chase a result. That has us backing a low scoring clash here, so under 2.5 goals is our tip for Saturday’s encounter.