Preview: Turkey vs. Scotland - prediction, team news, lineups

Neither nation qualified for the finals of the World Cup, and they will both aim to take the opportunity to get some final preparation in before Euro 2024 qualifying begins.

Match preview

Turkey were unfortunate not to qualify for the World Cup finals in Qatar this year and will instead participate in two friendlies against Scotland and the Czech Republic before entering Euro 2024 qualifying group D in March 2023.

In their attempt to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, the Crescent Stars finished second in their qualification group behind the Netherlands on 21 points before being eliminated in the playoff round by Portugal.

Nevertheless, Turkey did comfortably win their Nations League group, overcoming Luxembourg, the Faroe Islands and Lithuania to seal top spot with 13 points from six matches and gaining promotion to League B.

They are without a win in their last two matches, though, following a 3-3 draw with Luxembourg at home and a 2-1 defeat away to the Faroe Islands, which is something that manager Stefan Kuntz will look to change moving into the match against Scotland on Wednesday.

The German coach will be desperate to generate some momentum in these next two friendlies to ensure his side enter into Euro 2024 qualifying full of confidence.

Scotland make the trip to the Diyarbakir Stadium in good spirits due to recently gaining promotion to League A in the Nations League and they will be looking to continue their upturn in fortunes under Steve Clarke with a positive result on Wednesday.

The Tartan Army will not be present at the World Cup despite a commendable performance in qualifying, where they secured second in Group F behind Denmark on 23 points before losing out to Ukraine in the semi-finals of the playoff round.

Despite this blow, the Scots recovered well in the Nations League, managing to top Group 1 of League B with 13 points from six matches, competing against Ukraine, the Republic of Ireland and Armenia.

Scotland are unbeaten in their last four matches, winning three times and drawing once, and have only lost two of their last 15 games in all competitions, which has given supporters real optimism that they can qualify for Euro 2024.

Going into their last match before qualifying for Euro 2024 begins next year, Clarke will be counting on his side to produce another solid performance before reconvening in 2023 when the competitive action gets underway.

Turkey International Friendlies form:

L

Turkey form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

D

L

Scotland International Friendlies form:

D

D

Scotland form (all competitions):

W

L

W

W

W

D

Team News

Turkey manager Stefan Kuntz may give several uncapped stars their international debuts on Wednesday night against Scotland, with no fewer than five players in contention for a first appearance.

Defensive duo Tayyip Sanuc and Samet Akaydin could be in line for a maiden outing following their inclusion into the squad for the friendlies against Scotland and the Czech Republic.

Kayserispor defender Onur Bulut could also be handed his first cap, while midfield pair Emirhan Ilkhan and Arda Guler could also take to the field in a Turkey shirt for the first time.

For the visitors, they will be without Celtic trio Greg Taylor, David Turnbull and Anthony Ralston for the match in Diyarbakir as their club manager Ange Postecoglou opted not to release them for international duty ahead of his side's tour of Australia later this week.

Liverpool prospect Calvin Ramsay could be set for his first rodeo in Scotland colours having been called into the squad by Steve Clarke.

However, Scotland will need to contend without Premier League players Che Adams and Nathan Patterson for the clash as both have dropped out of the squad. Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean also will not partake due to withdrawal.

Turkey possible starting lineup:

Cakir; Celik, Kabak, Soyuncu, Elmali; Kocku, Kadioglu; Kahveci, Calhanoglu, Under; Unal

Scotland possible starting lineup:

Gordon; Ramsay, Hendry, McKenna, Robertson; McTominay, Gilmour; Fraser, McGinn, Christie; Dykes

We say: Turkey 1-1 Scotland

With both sides looking to put on a positive display before Euro 2024 qualifying commences, we expect an entertaining encounter with plenty of chances at both ends of the pitch.

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