Russia vs Turkey Preview

Russia’s 1-0 loss to an Austrian team that will not be competing at the World Cup this year shows how bad things have gotten for the Russians.

Their preparation for the competition continues to show that they are more likely to exit the competition in the group stage and they have now gone six games without tasting victory.

Turkey just like Russia’s last opponents won’t be at the World Cup, however, they come into this game in fine form having not lost any of their last four games and they will be looking to continue their good goal scoring form in this game.

Russia’s main issue seems to be shutting out opponents and their bravery in playing some of the world’s biggest teams in Brazil, Argentina, Spain and France have made that problem even more pronounced. They also look very toothless on the offence.

Turkey are not the best team in Europe at the moment, but neither are Austria, and the Turks would be looking to take advantage of weak defending from the Russians here.

They have scored at least a goal in each of their last five matches, however, they need to keep things tighter at the back to avoid the Russians scoring.

These teams have faced each other once before and that game in 2016 ended in a goalless draw.

Results of each team’s last 5 matches across all leagues and competitions

Russia

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
L	Austria		1-0		Russia	30 May, 2018	International Friendly
L	Russia		1-3		France	27 Mar, 2018	International Friendly
L	Russia		0-3		Brazil	23 Mar, 2018	International Friendly
D	Russia		3-3		Spain	14 Nov, 2017	International Friendly
L	Russia		0-1		Argentina	11 Nov, 2017	International Friendly

Turkey

LAST FIVE GAMES						DATE	COMPETITION
W	Turkey		2-1		Iran	28 May, 2018	International Friendly
D	Montenegro		2-2		Turkey	27 Mar, 2018	International Friendly
W	Turkey		1-0		Republic of Ireland	23 Mar, 2018	International Friendly
L	Turkey		2-3		Albania	13 Nov, 2017	International Friendly
L	Romania		2-0		Turkey	9 Nov, 2017	International Friendly

H2H

					DATE	COMPETITION
Turkey		0-0		Russia	31 Aug, 2016	International Friendly