Turkey vs Ukraine: Match Preview and Prediction

Turkey vs Ukraine
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Thursday, 6th October 2016
Kick-off: 19:45 UK
Venue: Buyuksehir Torku Arena, Konya.

Turkey and Ukraine have witnessed draws in their opening fixture in Group I of the 2018 FIFA World Qualifiers. The Turks were up against a strong Croatian side away from home and rightfully returned home with a 1-1 draw. An Ivan Rakitic penalty in the 44th minute was cancelled by Hakan Calhanoglu just before the first half whistle. However, Croatia was the better side in the closing stages, but the Turks hold firm to earn an all important point from the away game.

While Ukraine were held at home by a hard-working Iceland. Andriy Shevchenko’s men had a perfect opportunity to come away with the full 3 points when a penalty was awarded in the 83rd minute of them match. But Evgen Konoplyanka missed the target from spot to summarize a disappointing evening for the hosts.

Turkey vs Ukraine: Head-to-Head Stats

Their previous meeting in the World Cup qualification campaign was for the 2006 edition. The away side were winners in the two legs on both occasions; 3-0 win for Ukraine at Turkey on November 2004 which was followed by a 1-0 win for Turkey at Ukraine on September 2005.

Their latest meeting was in a friendly on June 2012 which ended 2-0 in favour of Turkey in front of their home crowd.

Turkey lead the overall head-to-head record against Ukraine with 4 wins, while they lost and drawn 1 each. They also came out with wins in each of their 2 trips to Ukraine, both by the same 3-0 margin. While their record at home is 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss from 4 matches.

Turkey vs Ukraine: Prediction

Turkey have a pretty good record at home and had lost only once in their 19 matches since November 2014. While Ukraine are on a 6 match unbeaten run away from home. But Ukraine are a side that are still finding their feet under the new head-coach Andriy Shevchenko. Nonetheless, this will be a cagey affair and we don’t think any side have a clear advantage over the other. And this could end in a scored draw.

A 1-1 draw at full-time looks good form and the odds of 6.00 are very encouraging. On the other hand, both teams to score is a better option for those who are looking for a pick for their combo slip.