A pivotal evening awaits Türkiye as they go to the Gradski Stadion in Niksic on Tuesday, with a golden alternative to safe their first-ever promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League.
Standing of their approach is a hapless Montenegro aspect, already relegated and and not using a single level in League B Group 4.
The Crescent-Stars lead the group by two factors, conserving Wales at bay after a irritating 0-0 stalemate in opposition to them on Saturday. Türkiye’s Kerem Akturkoglu missed a vital penalty within the 89th minute, leaving Vincenzo Montella’s aspect with no margin for error within the last matchday.
For Türkiye, the maths is simple: win, and so they safe prime spot and promotion. Anything much less opens the door for Wales, who’re degree on head-to-head outcomes however path on general purpose distinction.
With Türkiye holding a superior document in that column, the chances favor the Crescent-Stars.
However, surprises will not be extraordinary within the Nations League.
Resilient but cautious
Montella’s males have remained unbeaten on this Nations League cycle, exhibiting consistency regardless of their latest struggles in opposition to Wales.
Historically robust on the street, Türkiye has misplaced simply as soon as of their final 5 away video games within the competitors – a shock 2-1 defeat to the Faroe Islands in 2022.
Montenegro, although, has endured a nightmare marketing campaign.
The Brave Falcons, who managed to cling to League B standing in 2022-23, are winless and destined for League C subsequent season.
Their woes deepened after Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Iceland, the place targets from Orri Oskarsson and Isak Bergmann Johannesson sealed their destiny.
Montenegro’s attacking frailty has been obvious. With only one purpose in 5 matches, they rank among the many poorest-performing sides within the competitors, alongside Kazakhstan and Andorra.
Türkiye in management
History favors Türkiye, who stay unbeaten in 5 conferences with Montenegro.
A second-half strike from Irfan Kahveci handed Türkiye a slender 1-0 win of their October encounter, showcasing their capability to grind out outcomes even when not at their finest.
Suspensions and accidents pressure each managers to reshuffle their lineups.
For Türkiye, center-back Abdülkerim Bardakçı will miss out as a result of yellow-card accumulation, possible paving the best way for Samet Akaydın of Fenerbahçe or Beşiktaş’ Emirhan Topçu.
Meanwhile, Juventus starlet Kenan Yıldız is obtainable once more, threatening Baris Yılmaz’s spot within the assault.
Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu stays a doubt after aggravating an damage throughout the Wales conflict.
Ismail Yuksek or veteran Okay Yokuşlu may step into the midfield to fill the void left by the Ballon d’Or nominee.
Montenegro additionally faces vital adjustments.
Captain Stevan Jovetic returns from suspension, bringing expertise to the assault. However, each full-backs – Adam Marusic and Risto Radunovic – are suspended, forcing head coach Robert Prosinecki to show to untested choices like 22-year-old Ognjen Gasevic, who may make his full worldwide debut.
For Türkiye, promotion to League A would mark a milestone of their Nations League journey and solidify their place as an rising pressure in European soccer. Montenegro, in the meantime, will look to salvage pleasure and finish their dismal marketing campaign on a optimistic word.
Source: www.dailysabah.com