Ireland vs Turkey preview

May 24, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

FBL-WC2014-IRL-SRB-FRIENDLYThe match at Aviva Stadium in Dublin will be a good test for both Ireland and Turkey as the two sides prepare for the start of the 2016 Euro qualifiers.

Ireland did show some promise in the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, as they battled Sweden and Austria for the second place in Group C, but Giovanni Trapattoni’s charges eventually finished in fourth position, four points behind the play-off berth.

The Italian coach paid the price for the unsuccessful campaign, with Martin O’Neill chosen to replace him at the helm.

The Irish enjoyed a 3-0 triumph over Latvia in his first game in charge, before sharing spoils with Poland and losing to Serbia, so they will want to return to winning ways against Turkey.

And even with several star players missing, Ireland have been made 2.70 (17/10) favourites with William Hill to record another win.

Everton starlet James McCarthy misses out with an ankle problem, while Robbie Keane will only be available for the final two games of the tour.

Sunderland’s David Meyler is doubtful with a calf injury, whereas Shane Duffy and Rob Elliot will have a chance to win their first caps.

Richard Keogh, Jeff Hendrick, Conor Sammon and Kevin Doyle will be missing as they contest a Championship play-off final on Saturday.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Forde – Coleman, O’Shea, Wilson, Ward – McGeady, Quinn, Whelan, McClean – Hoolahan – Long.

Just like their next opposition, Turkey failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, finishing behind Netherlands, Romania and Hungary in the standings.

And having now missed three major tournaments in a row, the Crescent Stars will be eager to qualify for the Euro 2016.

Turkey were again placed in the same group as Netherlands and it looks as though they will be vying Czech Republic and Iceland for the second place in the standings.

Fatih Terim’s side have been showing plenty of promise in international friendlies, defeating Northern Ireland, Belarus, Sweden and Kosovo since the qualifying campaign ended and they are 2.90 (19/10) to extend the winning run in Dublin.

Star striker Burak Yilmaz misses out through injury, while Arda Turan is unavailable as he will take part in the Champions League final.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Kivrak – Gonul, Toprak, Kaya, Erkin – Ozek, Inan, Sahin, Calhanoglu – Pektemek, Erding.

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