BURSA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Turkey are going to host Latvia in an important game again on Friday when the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers tip off in Europe.

Less than three months removed from the Baltic side's 89-79 triumph over Ufuk Sarica's team in the Group Phase of FIBA EuroBasket 2017 in Istanbul, the sides will trade blows again, only this time in Bursa.

The city settled in 5200 BC, is across the Sea of Marmara and directly south of Istanbul.

In a Group B that also has Ukraine and Sweden, every outcome is important as teams look to progress to the Second Round and stay in the hunt for World Cup qualification.

New Latvia coach Arnis Vecvagars will be missing some of the players that competed at the FIBA EuroBasket this summer but he's ready to go with those at his disposal.

"The goal - the qualification for the World Cup - remains unchanged," he said.

The first of two Turkey v Latvia World Cup Qualifiers showdowns is interesting in that both Vecvagars and Sarica played in these sorts of games themselves.

Each was part of Latvia and Turkish teams, respectively, that competed in EuroBasket qualifiers international windows.

On Friday, the Latvians will have five members of their EuroBasket 2017 squad while Turkey will have six.

Key Matchups: One of the players important from the off for Turkey at the EuroBasket was Kenan Sipahi, a 22-year-old point guard who received meaningful minutes for the first time under a coach, Sarica, who knew how to get the best out him. Sipahi's tenacity on defense was especially something to be admired because when he forced turnovers, they usually led to points. He is likely to square off Aigars Skele, whose importance will grow for Latvia in the November qualifiers. Skele was productive in a limited role against Turkey in September. In 8 minutes, he had a spin move on a drive to die for and finished 5 points and 2 assists. Offensively, Turkey will again rely heavily on Melih Mahmutoglu. Expect Zanis Peinars, one of Latvia's most experienced players that will be at the games coming up, to have a prominent role. He had one of his best games against Turkey.

Key Stats: Mahmutoglu is a potential game-winner for Turkey. He was a scintillating 17 of 35 (50 percent) from 3-point range at the EuroBasket and 3 of 6 against Latvia, when he poured in 19 points. The same can be said for Latvia veteran Janis Blums, who was 5 of 8 from deep when the teams played in September. For Latvia, don't be surprised if Peinars is a real pain for Turkey. He logged a personal EuroBasket 2017 high of 17 minutes and had 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal against Turkey. While the 12 Giant Men will not have their young NBA duo Cedi Osman and Furkan Korkmaz, their aim will still be to get as much defensive pressure as possible on Latvia, be it full court or in the half court.

FIBA