
Turkey host Belgium at the Gursel Aksel Stadium in Izmir on Thursday 12 November, a 5pm (UK time) Nations League clash that throws Sergen Yalcin’s new-look hosts straight in against one of Group A1’s heavyweights.
Belgium ran out 3-0 winners when these sides met in Liege last month and arrive chasing the points that would secure a strong finish to the group, while Turkey are still searching for their first win of the campaign. We have worked through the Turkey vs Belgium odds for our best bets, two premium picks and a score prediction below.
Premium Tips
We have run the rule over the Turkey vs Belgium odds and lean towards the visitors, who have the greater quality all over the pitch and already have one comfortable win over these opponents in the bank this autumn.
| Premium Tip | Odds | Why we’re backing it |
|---|---|---|
| Romelu Lukaku to score anytime | 11/10 (bet365) | Romelu Lukaku remains Belgium’s focal point in attack and was named in Mark van Bommel’s 26-man squad for this window, with the striker still leading the line for the Red Devils. Belgium have found the net in all four of their group games and tore Turkey apart in the reverse fixture, so their number nine should get chances against a home defence that has conceded three goals in each of its last two matches. At 11/10 with bet365, Lukaku to score anytime is our headline pick in Izmir. |
| Belgium to win and both teams to score | 2/1 (bet365) | Turkey are far from a lost cause going forward, having pulled a goal back in their 3-1 defeat to Italy last time out, and they will fancy getting on the board in front of their own supporters. Belgium, though, carry a different level of threat through Kevin De Bruyne and Lukaku and should have too much for a side rebuilding under a new manager. A Belgium win with both teams scoring looks the likeliest shape of the game, and 2/1 with bet365 is a fair price for it. |
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware — gambleaware.org · Odds correct at time of publishing.
How Turkey go into the game
Turkey arrive in the midst of a difficult campaign, having lost each of their four group games so far to sit bottom of Group A1 without a point. That run cost Vincenzo Montella his job, and Sergen Yalcin was appointed as his successor in October, with this meeting his first game in charge of the national side.
The new boss will want a reaction after heavy defeats to Belgium and Italy, and there is talent to call on, with Arda Guler and the Yilmaz brothers capable of hurting any defence. Turkey have struggled at the back, however, shipping three goals in each of their last two outings, and tightening up will be Yalcin’s immediate priority.
How Belgium go into the game
Belgium sit third in Group A1 on six points under Mark van Bommel, who took charge in the summer and has overseen a mixed start that includes a win over Italy and that comfortable 3-0 success against Turkey in Liege, where Kevin De Bruyne scored twice.
The Red Devils were brought back down to earth with a 4-1 defeat at France last time out, but they remain a dangerous attacking unit with Jeremy Doku back in the fold for this window alongside De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Van Bommel’s side know a positive result here keeps them in the hunt for a strong group finish.
Turkey vs Belgium head-to-head
The sides go into this one having met only last month, with Belgium running out 3-0 winners in Liege thanks to a Kevin De Bruyne double. Historically the Red Devils have tended to hold the upper hand in meetings between the two, and Turkey will need a much-improved display to turn the tables on home soil this time around.
Turkey vs Belgium predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 10/11 (bet365) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Belgium won the reverse 3-0 in Liege last month, while Turkey have lost all four of their group games so far. |
| Both teams to score – Yes | 4/9 (bet365) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Turkey found the net against Italy last time out, and Belgium have scored in each of their four group matches. |
| Over 2.5 goals | 1/2 (bet365) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Belgium’s last two group games produced eight goals in total, including a 4-1 defeat at France. |
| Turkey 1-2 Belgium | 8/1 (bet365) | ⭐⭐ | Kevin De Bruyne scored twice in the reverse, and the visitors carry far more firepower than a Turkey side in transition. |
Turkey vs Belgium score prediction
Turkey have a new manager in Sergen Yalcin and will be desperate to end their wait for a first group win in front of their own fans, but this is a tough place to start given the gulf in quality. Belgium were comfortable 3-0 winners a month ago and, even with that chastening defeat at France fresh in the memory, carry enough through De Bruyne and Lukaku to come out on top. We expect the hosts to make a game of it, but the Red Devils to edge an open contest in Izmir. Score prediction: Turkey 1-2 Belgium.
