Avci: Turkey boss
After wins over Estonia and Andorra, Romania go into Friday's game as group leaders - ahead of Holland on goal difference by virtue of Hungary's goal against the Dutch.
And having lost just twice in their last 14 games, the Tricolorii can dream of qualifying for a third major tournament in as many separate spells under coach Victor Piturca, who led them to the European Championship in 2000 and 2008.
The 56-year-old has labelled Holland "clear favourites" to win the group but promised to fight for at least second place - in which context, the trip to the Sukru Sarakoglu Stadium will be a key moment in their campaign.
Abdullah Avci's side bounced back from an opening defeat to Holland by beating Estonia 3-0 and, having also pushed Holland hard in their first game, will be hopeful of a victory which would advance their own claims on a play-off spot.
Avci told the Turkish Football Federation's official website: "In two matches played so far in the group, there have been no surprise results.
"Romania are the group leaders and, like us, have gathered a young team. A tough game awaits us."
Holland are without captain Wesley Sneijder due to injury as they welcome one of the world's lowest-ranked teams and, with his deputy Dirk Kuyt also sitting the game out, boss Louis van Gaal handed the armband to PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kevin Strootman.
Bert van Marwijk, who led the Oranje to the 2010 World Cup final, was replaced by Van Gaal after a dismal European Championship campaign last summer and Strootman has warned they cannot trade on former glories.
"We cannot beat about the bush," he told De Telegraaf. "Holland were extremely good at the World Cup, with a couple of players among the absolute best in Europe, but not any more.
"But four years ago, the players who are experienced now were not the stars they are today.
"We have guys with potential, but they are not there yet. It is about making sure we are at our best for the World Cup in two years."
Andorra's only ever competitive win came against Macedonia in a qualifying group for the 2006 World Cup which also included both Holland and Romania. They were beaten 3-0 and 4-0 by the Oranje on that occasion.
Friday's other Group D clash sees Estonia take on Hungary in Tallinn.
While the hosts are looking for their first win, Hungary are readying themselves for the start of the real battle after a predictable start featuring a 5-0 win over Andorra and a heavy defeat to the Dutch.
After Estonia, Turkey await next Tuesday and coach Sandor Egervari told the Hungarian FA's website: "Now the real race begins for us, since we're playing against opponents who have a good chance to finish second in the group.
"We need six points to take advantage of our opponents, while with four we can compete to achieve our goal."
