Turkey – Armenia WC qualifier

Possibly one of the most interesting plays of the day is the Turkey / Armenia match. With odds moving quite a bit already, there is a lot of interest towards the home Armenian squad.

Armenia v Turkey
Armenia 6/1
Draw 13/5
Turkey 4/9
0 or 1 goals 23/10
2 or 3 goals 10/11
4 or more goals 23/10
Under 2.5 goals 4/5
Over 2.5 goals 10/11

The 98th ranked Armenian squad host Turkey in their capital city of Yerevan. This is the first match between the respective nations and it will be a highly emotional affair given their history. Security will be extremely hight and you cannot not discount the support of the home crowd. Turkey’s manager Fatih Terim, has rightfully attempted to downplay the tension and commented how this match could be a bridge to eliminating old tensions. While that may be the case, expect heavy support for the home squad and inspired play.

Armenia has shown an ability to play to the ability of their opponent, particularly at home. Results from recent continental qualifiers prove out their stingy side at giving up goals.

Armenia @ home
07/10/2006 Armenia 0:0 Finland
06/06/2007 Armenia 1:0 (0:0) Poland
22/08/2007 Armenia 1:1 (1:1) Portugal
13/10/2007 Armenia 0:0 Serbia
21/11/2007 Armenia 0:1 (0:0) Kazakhstan

Turkey’s was certainly the surprise story of the recent Euros and growing into elite air in the Football world. Most recent matches:

07/06/2008 Portugal 2:0 (0:0) Turkey
11/06/2008 Switzerland 1:2 (1:0) Turkey
15/06/2008 Turkey 3:2 (0:1) Czech Republic
20/06/2008 Croatia 1:1 a.e.t. 1:3 PSO Turkey
25/06/2008 Germany 3:2 (1:1) Turkey

Fatih Terim will be without Hamit Altıntop, Nihat Kahveci, Tümer Metin to injuries as well as Emre Aşık. Semih Şentürk and Mevlüt Erdinç will be paired up top to break down the tough defensive line of Armenia.

The heavy action that is pouring-in is on a low-scoring match with both the “under” and “draw” getting the most attention. For those that wish to discuss more, please comment –

Category: EPL