Türkiye vs Montenegro: Key stats, lineups, form in UEFA Nations League

The UEFA Nations League continues with a crucial Türkiye vs Montenegro match in League B Group 4 at the Samsun 19 May Stadium on Friday, October 11.

Türkiye leads the group with four points after two games, while Montenegro is still searching for its first points.Recent form: Türkiye’s resilience vs Montenegro’s struggles

Türkiye enters the match unbeaten in the Nations League after a 0-0 draw against Wales and a commanding 3-1 victory over Iceland. Under head coach Vincenzo Montella, the Crescent-Stars have shown consistent form, especially at home, with seven wins in their last ten games. Key to their success was Kerem Akturkoglu’s spectacular hat trick in their win over Iceland, which has bolstered their attack.

Montenegro, on the other hand, has been struggling. After two early wins in 2024, they have faced four straight losses, including defeats to Iceland (2-0) and Wales (2-1) in the Nations League. Head coach Robert Prosinecki faces mounting pressure, as another loss would mark a historic low for Montenegro—five consecutive defeats since their independence.

Lineup expectations for Türkiye vs Montenegro match

Montella’s squad will miss several key players due to injuries, including first-choice goalkeeper Mert Gunok, defenders Caglar Soyuncu and Ozan Kabak, and midfielder Ismail Yuksek. Ugurcan Cakir is expected to step in as the starting goalkeeper, with Ferdi Kadioglu filling the left-back role.

• Türkiye possible lineup:
  • Goalkeeper: Ugurcan Cakir
  • Defense: Mert Muldur, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ferdi Kadioglu
  • Midfield: Hakan Calhanoglu, Orkun Kokcu
  • Attack: Arda Guler, Can Kahveci, Kerem Akturkoglu, Baris Alper Yilmaz

Baris Alper Yilmaz returns from suspension and is likely to start up front. Arda Guler, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Kerem Akturkoglu are also expected to play significant roles in the attack, making Türkiye’s frontline a formidable challenge for Montenegro.

For Montenegro, Preston North End’s Milutin Osmajic, despite an eight-match ban for an incident in domestic play, is available for selection. Veteran striker Stevan Jovetic, who is closing in on Montenegro’s all-time appearance record, may lead the attack alongside Stefan Mugosa.

Attack: Stevan Jovetic, Milutin Osmajic, Stefan Mugosa

Montenegro possible lineup:

Goalkeeper: Matija Sarkic

Defense: Adam Marusic, Stefan Savic, Zarko Tomasevic, Risto Radunovic

Midfield: Milos Brnovic, Vladimir Jovovic

Manager’s comments about Türkiye vs Montenegro: Montella, Prosinecki’s strategies

Montella expressed confidence in his team’s home form, saying, “We have been solid in Samsun, and with the crowd behind us, we aim to secure another three points.” Montella has been consistent in his approach, focusing on maintaining control in midfield and pressing high with his attacking players.

Prosinecki acknowledged the difficulty of facing Türkiye on their home turf but remains optimistic about his team’s chances. “We know what we are up against, but we are prepared. Our focus is on playing with discipline and taking our chances when they come,” he said during a pre-match press conference.

UEFA Nations League match prediction: Türkiye likely to edge ahead

Considering the teams’ recent form and home advantage, Türkiye is expected to dominate the match. Montenegro’s defense has been shaky, and their lack of wins in the Nations League adds to their vulnerability. A clean sheet for Türkiye is likely, with Montella’s side predicted to win 2-0.

Türkiye has yet to lose to Montenegro, winning two and drawing two of their previous four matches. In their last meeting during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Türkiye won 2-1, with goals from Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu sealing the victory.

Key stats, facts about Türkiye vs Montenegro Nations League

• Türkiye remains unbeaten in their last four matches against Montenegro.
• Montenegro has scored in each of their last three games against Türkiye but has never won.
• Türkiye is ranked 26th by FIFA, while Montenegro is ranked 74th.
• Montenegro faces the prospect of their fifth consecutive loss, a national record they aim to avoid.

With Türkiye’s superior form and Montenegro’s defensive struggles, all signs point toward a home victory for Montella’s side. Fans will be eager to see if Türkiye can continue their push for promotion in the UEFA Nations League while maintaining their unbeaten record against Montenegro.