/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballwhispers.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F06%2FArda-Guler-FW.jpg)
Turkey will play their final friendly game before the beginning of their World Cup campaign when they take on Venezuela on Saturday, with their clash set to be held in the USA's Chase Stadium.
Ahead of their opening group game against Australia, Turkey will attempt to head into this summer's tournament with a victory against Venezuela, who were unable to advance from their CONMEBOL qualifying group last year.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Venezuela vs. Turkey key stats
- Venezuela have failed to score in five of their last eight games.
- Turkey have scored at least two goals in five of their past seven matches.
- Eight of the last 13 goals Venezuela have conceded have come in the second half.
- Turkey have kept three clean sheets in their past five fixtures.
Venezuela vs. Turkey: Turkey's final chance to prepare for the World Cup
| Venezuela | vs | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| 49th | FIFA Ranking | 22nd |
| Tomas Rincon (143) | Most Caps | Rustu Reçber (120) |
| Salomon Rondon (50) | Most Goals | Hakan Sukur (51) |
| 294 | Total Caps | 951 |
| 15 | Total Goals | 95 |
| 1 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
The match will represent another opportunity for Venezuela to bounce back from the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup, with the nation finishing eighth in the CONMEBOL table, narrowly missing out on the seventh-placed playoff spot because Bolivia collected two points more.
Manager Oswaldo Vizcarrondo was not in charge for those games, but he has overseen their last three matches, a period in which he suffered two defeats and triumphed just once.
It should be noted that the second of those losses occurred after a goalless stalemate against Uzbekistan on March 30 led to a penalty shootout, which Venezuela lost 5-4, and that was their sixth loss in eight fixtures.
If striker Jesus Ramirez is selected to lead the line on Saturday, expect to see three attackers stationed behind him, with David Martinez and Gleiker Mendoz positioned as wingers and Wikelman Carmona asked to play as a number 10.
Turkey have no incentive to win other than the fact that this weekend's clash will be their last game before the beginning of their World Cup campaign, and heading into the competition off the back of a victory could be important.
That is especially the case given they were defeated in the opening fixtures of their prior two World Cups, so perhaps a confident team will be able to buck that trend to beat Australia on June 14.
Turkey have never faced Venezuela, but they should take comfort from the fact their opponents have lost their last two meetings with nations that fall under the banner of UEFA.
Manager Vincenzo Montella will be able to name a young and exciting forward line, with the likes of Can Uzun, Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz options to play behind a central striker, and the three stars could be key to their country's summer hopes.
Venezuela vs. Turkey form guide & betting tips
| Venezuela | vs | Turkey |
|---|---|---|
LWLWL |
Form | WDWWW |
| 5 | Goals For | 10 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 2 |
LWLWL |
Friendly Form | DLWLW |
Whispers predicts: Venezuela 0-2 Turkey
Considering Venzuela will be encountering opponents that are keen on maintaining their strong form ahead of the World Cup, it is no surprise that the bookmakers have valued a Turkey win at 13/20.
The Turkish have often scored at least two goals in recent matches, and it would make sense if punters backed Turkey to Score Over 1.5 Goals at 4/5.
Venezuela have struggled in front of goal recently, so there could be value in predicting Venezuela to Score Under 0.5 Goals at 23/20.
Given eight of the last 13 goals Venezuela have conceded have come in the second half, it would be sensible to back Turkey to Win the Second Half at 19/20.
> Turkey to Score Over 1.5 Goals at 4/5 (1.8) | Likelihood: Probable
> Venezuela to Score Under 0.5 Goals at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: Possible
> Turkey to Win the Second Half at 19/20 (1.95) | Likelihood: Possible