Verdict: Fenerbahce draw no bet
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Sat firmly in the driving seat on Thursday night, Fenerbahce will travel to Lotto Park when they meet Anderlecht for their Europa League second-leg showdown.
Anderlecht
Starting with the hosts, completely blown away when they travelled to Istanbul last week as they slumped to a routine 3-0 drumming, Anderlecht are seeking what would be a real Europa League miracle on Thursday night. Signing off their group stage adventure with a sensational 4-3 loss at home against German outfit Hoffenheim, David Hubert’s side have drastically failed to find any kind of recent stability. Heading into Belgium’s festive break with a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of Dender, Anderlecht have also won just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Despite seeking an improved performance when they return to Lotto Park on Thursday night, it should be highlighted that the Purples have lost each of their last three Europa League showdowns by an aggregate score of 8-3.
Anderlecht Team News
Recently returning from a knock and handed a full domestic rest last weekend, Japan International Keisuke Goto could feature for the first time since February 2nd. Ahead of Thursday’s showdown at Lotto Park, Anderlecht have reported a clean bill of health and have no fresh injury concerns.
Bagging the winner away at Charleroi on Saturday evening and notching just a second strike since returning from November’s international break, Luis Vazquez should keep his spot leading the line. Arriving on a season-long loan switch from Aston Villa last summer, Leander Dendoncker will start in the middle of the park.
Fenerbahce
As for the visitors, putting in what was a dominant display on home soil last week as they stormed their way to that rampant 3-0 victory, Fenerbahce will simply be seeking a repeat performance here. Although Jose Mourinho’s men might have a real battle on their hands in the race to claim a first domestic crown since 2014, the former Manchester United boss has seen his squad embark on a real flurry. Keeping up their recent momentum last weekend as they secured a 3-1 win against Kasimpasa, the Yellow Canaries have won each of their previous five consecutive appearances across all competitions. With their sights set on mounting a genuine European charge this season, Fenerbahce have also found a major clinical edge in the final third. In fact, Mourinho’s camp have notched 16 goals on their five-match winning run.
Fenerbahce Team News
Shown a costly first-half booking in Istanbul last week, former QPR youngster Bright Osayi-Samuel will serve a one-match ban here. Despite completing a January switch from Aston Villa, Brazilian defender Diego Carlos will not travel to Brussels on Thursday night.
Bagging a first-leg strike last week and now notching 23 goals across all competitions so far this season, former Sevilla marksman Youssef En Nesyri will spearhead Mourinho’s attack. Making an immediate impact after arriving from PSG last month, Milan Skriniar will start at the heart of Fenerbahce’s defence.
Anderlecht vs Fenerbahce Key Factors to Consider
- When Anderlecht and Fenerbahce met for their first-leg showdown in Istanbul last week, the Yellow Canaries stormed their way to a 3-0 romp on home soil.
- Fenerbahce have won each of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Likewise, Thursday’s guests have notched 16 goals on their five-match winning run.
- Anderlecht have lost each of their last three Europa League showdowns by an aggregate score of 8-3.
- Nine of Anderlecht’s last 11 matchups at Lotto Park have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Storming their way to what was a sensational 3-0 romp on home soil last week, Fenerbahce will simply be seeking a repeat performance here. Sat firmly in the driving seat when they travel to Lotto Park, Thursday’s guests are enjoying what has become a real purple patch. Winning all of their previous five appearances across all competitions, Moutinho’s men have also gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third. Meeting an Anderlecht squad that has continued to show some real inconstancies, we are backing an away draw no bet in midweek.
Verdict: Fenerbahce draw no bet
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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