Turkey – Slovakia Preview: New era begins for both sides at Bursa Ataturk Stadium

Although it remains to be seen what set up Abdullah Avci is planning for his first game in charge of the Turkey national team, it is likely that we will see several changes from Guus Hiddink’s preferred starting line-up.

Volkan Demirel has not been selected, allowing Standard Liege’s Sinan Bolat to start between the sticks. Omer Toprak made his international debut in the 0-0 away draw with Croatia, and should partner Fenerbahce centre-back Serdar Kesimal at the heart of defence.

Nuri Sahin returns to the squad, and should start in midfield alongside Mehmet Topal and Mehmet Ekici. Arda Turan, Burak Yilmaz and Caner Erkin are expected to lead the attack.

Slovakia will be forced into several changes from their draw with Macedonia in October. Miroslav Karhan has retired from the international game due to the disappointment of failing to qualify for Euro 2012.

Erik Jendrisek misses out, leaving Filip Holosko to start at the pinnacle of attack. Juraj Piroska is another who has failed to make the squad, with former Chelsea winger Miroslav Stoch expected to replace him.

Martin Skrtel returns to the fold, and will take the place of Lubomir Michalik, who is not included.

• Turkey have lost none of their four meetings with Slovakia since they gained independence, recording one draw and three wins.

• A total of seven players included in Avci’s squad were born in Germany, with one other having spent his entire life in France.

• Slovakia‘s Peter Pekarik, Marek Cech, Miroslav Stoch, Filip Holosko and Stanislav Sestak all ply their trades in the Turkish Super Lig.

• The 2010 World Cup was the country’s first ever international tournament. Vladimir Weiss’ side were eliminated in the round of 16.

• If selected, Marek Bakos and Michal Breznanik will be making their first appearances for their nation.

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