Verdict: Spain win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make it consecutive World Cup qualifying victories on Sunday night, Spain will travel to Konya when they meet Turkey.

Turkey

Starting with the hosts, while Turkey might have almost suffered an infamous collapse away at Georgia on Thursday evening, Vincenzo Montella’s side did manage to drag themselves over the finishing line. Getting their respective World Cup qualifying campaign underway with an action-packed 3-2 victory on foreign soil, the Crescent Stars have largely impressed over recent times. Booking their spot among the Nations League’s elite back in March as they secured a thumping 6-1 aggregate win against Hungary, Turkey have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Booking a EURO 24 quarter-final ticket last summer, Sunday’s hosts now have their sights firmly set on wrapping up a silver medal finish in Group E. Despite facing a heavyweight challenge here, the Reds will be confident of asking some questions.

Turkey Team News

Coming off the bench and shown a straight red cards after only being on the pitch for just six minutes, Galatasaray star Baris Alper Yilmaz will miss out through suspension here. Appearing to have cemented his spot as Montella’s number one choice, Ugurcan Cakir will start between the sticks.

Bagging a brace on foreign soil in midweek and opening his World Cup qualifying account with an early flurry, new Fenerbahce star Kerem Akturkoglu will lead the line on Sunday evening. Starting in each of Real Madrid’s first three La Liga appearances this season, Arda Guler will partner Akturkoglu in attack.

Spain

As for the visitors, while Spain might have suffered real Nations League frustration back on June 8th as they relinquished their maiden crown following a penalty shootout defeat against Portugal, Luis de la Fuente’s superstar squad didn’t shown any signs of a hangover in midweek. Opening their World Cup qualifying campaign with a routine 3-0 romp away at Bulgaria, La Roja will be seeking a repeat performance on Sunday evening. Storming their way to a record-breaking fourth European title, Spain have also gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Rightfully regarded as a landslide contender to wrap up top spot in Group E without breaking much of a sweat, La Roja will also be excited by a dominant historic record against Turkey. Including a 3-0 victory when they last met the Crescent Stars back at EURO 2016, they have won all of their previous four meetings by an aggregate score of 8-1.

Spain Team News

Facing what is a quick turnaround, de la Fuente could be tempted to make a handful of alterations on Sunday evening. All settling for a spot on the bench in midweek, the Barcelona duo of Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo could be handed respective full recalls here.

While reigning Ballon d’Or winner Rodri might still be working his way back to full fitness after recovering from a long-term knee injury, the Manchester City ace could start in the middle of the park. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya will likely be forced to settle for another spot on the bench as Unai Simon looks set to retain his spot between the sticks.

Turkey vs Spain Key Factors to Consider

• When Turkey and Spain last met back at EURO 16, La Roja collected a thumping 3-0 victory in France.
• In fact, Spain have won their previous four meetings against Turkey by an aggregate score of 8-1.
• Spain have not suffered a single competitive defeat within 90 minutes since way back in March 2023.
• Turkey have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
• Five of Turkey’s last six matchups have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Turkey might have eventually dragged themselves over the finishing line on Thursday evening as they clung to a 3-2 victory away at Georgia, the Crescent Stars will be bracing themselves for a monumental challenge here. Watching Spain open their respective World Cup qualifying adventure with a routine 3-0 romp against Bulgaria, the reigning European champions are rightfully installed as a landslide Group E contender. Landing an empathic 3-0 victory when they last met Turkey at EURO 2016, we are backing de la Fuente’s superstar squad to lay down another statement of intent on foreign soil.

Verdict: Spain win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster