Fenerbahce have been close to unstoppable over the past two months, and the Turkish giants will look to maintain their superb momentum when they welcome Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros in the Europa League.
The Yellow Canaries have not lost since late September in any competition, and victory on Thursday evening could propel them towards the top 10 in the league phase, with the hosts currently sitting 15th on seven points.
Match preview
A 3-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in Fenerbahce’s opening Europa League fixture saw frustration grow among supporters, with Domenico Tedesco only weeks into his tenure at the time.
However, those early concerns have quickly faded, as the former Belgium head coach has guided Fenerbahce to a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions (eight wins and two draws), extended by a 5-2 triumph away at Caykur Rizespor at the weekend.
Fenerbahce have been rampant in attack, scoring at least three goals in four of their last five outings, and this sustained form has seen them close the gap to Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray to a single point.
Their Europa League recovery has also been impressive, following the opening defeat with victories over Nice (2-1) and Stuttgart (1-0), before a goalless draw at Viktoria Plzen – one of only two stalemates during their excellent streak, the other also a 0-0 at Samsunspor in the league.
The hosts sit just one point outside the top-eight positions, and a win would almost certainly move them into those automatic qualification spots while drawing them level with Ferencvaros, who currently hold a three-point advantage.
The only previous meeting between the sides occurred in the 1971-72 UEFA Cup first round, with the Hungarian club progressing 4-2 on aggregate.
Ferencvaros, managed by former Tottenham forward Robbie Keane, will hope for a similar outcome despite Fenerbahce’s form, and they have reason for optimism having collected 10 points from a possible 12 so far.
However, their 3-1 league defeat to Nyiregyhaza Spartacus at the weekend may have dented confidence, ending a four-game winning run across all competitions.
The loss leaves them three points adrift of the Hungarian top-flight summit, albeit with a game in hand, and now they are looking to avoid consecutive defeats for the first time since August.
Ferencvaros have won their last three European away matches and now have the chance to claim a fourth in succession for the first time in their history, which should serve as extra motivation.
Fenerbahce Europa League form:
Fenerbahce form (all competitions):
Ferencvaros Europa League form:
Ferencvaros form (all competitions):
Team News
© Imago / IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
Fenerbahce will be without Fred, Ismail Yuksek and Jayden Oosterwolde, with all three serving yellow-card suspensions.
Their absences create selection dilemmas for Tedesco, particularly in midfield, where Talisca and Mert Hakan Yandas are candidates to step in, while Mert Muldur is expected to replace Oosterwolde in central defence.
Jhon Duran led the line against Rizespor, but Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal from the bench may earn him a return to the starting XI.
Oguz Aydin, Duran and Tedesco himself are all one booking away from suspension, as another caution in this game could see them miss the next fixture against Brann.
Ferencvaros have no confirmed absentees, though defender Stefan Gartenmann remains a doubt after missing their last three matches.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Cisse must avoid a yellow card or he will be suspended for the next fixture against Rangers.
Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Semedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Mercan; Yandas, Asensio; Nene, Talisca, Akturkoglu; En-Nesyri
Ferencvaros possible starting lineup:
Dibusz; Szalai Raemaekers, Cisse; Makreckis, Levi, Kanichowsky, Toth, Nagy; Pesic, Joseph
We say: Fenerbahce 3-1 Ferencvaros
Fenerbahce enter this contest in outstanding form, scoring freely and showing impressive balance under Tedesco, and that will make them favourites for this clash, especially as they have avoided defeat in their last 12 home games (W10, D2).
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
