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Huge game for both teams here in the battle for the second place in the group, with Netherlands having virtually secured the first position. Romania is currently second in the standings with 13 points, Hungary is third with 11 points and Turkey is fourth with 10 points. All three teams played 7 games so far. The hosts need at least a draw, while the visitors absolutely have to win this if they want to remain in the race for the playoffs. Last year Romania got a rather lucky 1-0 win in Turkey.
Romania enters this game on the back of a solid 3-0 win against Hungary, and confidence is high among the home team. Romania once again proved to be an able offensive team on friday, boosting a goal difference of 13-10 in seven games so far in the group. The attacking line works very well, the defense is also solid but with some weak points (old and slow centre back Goian, inexperienced Matel). Romania also misses very important defensive midfielder Bourceanu, with no adequate replacement available.
Turkey was abysmal in the start of the qualies, but for this game they welcome back coach Fatih Terim, and he is expected to provide a huge advantage for them – especially since the coach was their main problem. The visitors won 5-0 against Andorra friday, an easy game for them, and they are well rested for this one. Terim will field a very attacking lineup and it is expected that the turks will do some damage to the romanian defense, since their best players are up front (Arda Turan, Burak Yilmaz).
Probable lineups
Romania: Tatarusanu – Matel, Goian, Chiriches, Rat – Pintilii, Hoban – Torje, Maxim, Tanase – Marica
Turkey: Demirel – Gonul, Toprak, Kaya, Ali Kaldirim – Sahin, Topal – Tore, Arda Turan – Bulut, Burak Yilmaz
Romania will approach the game in a rather defensive manner, trying to play reactive football and hit Turkey on fast counters. It can be a winning tactic, since the visitors have to get a win here and they will play offensive football, leaving spaces at the back, a thing that Romania`s excellent attacking players can take advantage of. There is no result that will satisfy both teams and at any point in the game, regardless of the score, someone will try to attack in order to stay alive in the group. Even if the previous game ended 1-0 for Romania after today`s hosts parked the bus in Istanbul, this is a totally different match and should produce some goals.
The visitors rely mostly on individual quality as they have no cohesion at the moment, and with a win being absolutely necessary, along with the super quality players they have up front, expect them to find ways to score but also to be shaky and error-prone in defense. The pitch is in good condition, so that should help a free-flowing game. Take over 2,5 here, the high scoring trend in Romania`s games should continue. Also, value lies on Turkey at the odds set by the bookies, they are the better team, but I wouldn`t rule out a romanian win.
Pick: over 2,5
Odds: 2.11 @ Sbobet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 9.99
Event date: 10 September
