Wales v Turkey: Prediction, Tips and Odds

A period of transition may be taking place for Wales, who were present at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup but failed to qualify for Euro 2024.

The Dragons are hoping to rebuild under a new manager, Craig Bellamy, who won 78 senior Welsh caps, scoring 19 goals, but never appeared at a major tournament.

In their Nations League Group B4 opener, Bellamy's men face a tricky test against Turkey, who won a lot of admirers at Euro 2024 after delivering a string of energetic, attacking performances.

Wales v Turkey betting tips and predictions

Turkey - 9/5

Turkey finished five points and two positions above Wales in Euro 2024 qualifying and they can open their Nations League campaign with a victory on Welsh soil.

Rewind to the 2022/23 Nations League campaign and there were two tiers separating League A participants Wales and League C Turkey, but they had contrasting experiences.

Wales were relegated after taking just one point in a section featuring the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland, while Turkey won a promotion after taking 13 points in a group alongside Luxembourg, Faroe Islands and Lithuania.

Turkey are stepping up in class but have every chance of making further headway in a soft-looking section completed by Montenegro and Iceland.

Vincenzo Montella’s side got used to playing against some top teams at Euro 2024 and they had a largely positive experience until their 2-1 quarter-final loss to the Netherlands in Berlin.

Talented Turkish teenagers Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz showed why they are so highly rated and both could have key roles to play in lifting the national team to even greater heights.

Turkey were not far off achieving something special this summer but they will be determined to keep on improving over the course of the 2024/25 Nations League and 2026 World Cup qualifying which begins next March.

Wales will have their longer-term sights set on securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup, but they look like a team in decline.

They have generally struggled since Gareth Bale’s retirement following the 2022 World Cup, and may struggle to match the fast-improving Turks, who look solid 9/5 shots to grab the victory.

Baris Yilmaz to score at any time - 10/3

Guler and Yildiz generated a lot of attention for their performances at Euro 2024, but arguably the most consistent forward player for the Crescent-Stars was Galatasaray attacker Baris Yilmaz, who impressed in a variety of positions across the front line.

Livewire Yilmaz was a constant threat with his movement and pace and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

However, the 24-year-old finished the tournament with his confidence enhanced and has started the Turkish domestic season strongly, scoring twice in three appearances.

Yilmaz could make a major impact in the Nations League and he looks an overpriced 10/3 wager to notch against Wales.

Over 2.5 goals - 6/5

Wales are likely to play front-foot football under Bellamy, who was a defenders’ nightmare in his playing days.

Bellamy will be looking for his team to press high and unsettle the Turkish defence.

However, Wales appear to lack pace at the back and that could soon become an issue against some fleet-footed opposition attackers.

An open contest would favour the away side but there should be plenty of opportunities at both ends with over 2.5 goals making plenty of appeal at 6/5.

Read more football betting tips and predictions on site

Wales v Turkey odds

Wales - 8/5
Draw - 11/5
Turkey - 9/5

View the full market and more odds for Wales v Turkey on site.

Read Wales v Turkey how to watch, TV channel, head-to-head stats, team news and more on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.