 Victory for World Cup (WC) 2018 hosts Russia in this one would see them move within a point of promotion, whilst simultaneously eliminating their visitors from contention. |
| After toiling to a goalless draw against Sweden in their second UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group 2 game, group leaders Russia enter this match unbeaten in five home matches (W2, D3), and unbeaten in five historical H2H encounters with visitors Turkey. |
| Turkey came from behind to beat group opponents Sweden 3-2 in their second UNL group game, attaining their first win in seven matches played away from Turkish soil. |
| The calendar year of 2018 has been poor overall for 'The Crescent-Stars'. The nation that finished third at WC 2002 has now won only three of its nine games (W3, D4, L2), keeping just two clean sheets in the process. |
| This will be the third meeting between these two teams this calendar year, with each of the H2H matches played in 2018 ending level or being settled by a single goal margin. Each has also seen both teams score. Correct score 2-0 |