Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Lille

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to collect a heavyweight scalp and extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure on Tuesday evening, Lille will travel to Istanbul when they meet Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce

Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp frustration when they travelled over to France last week as they were hit with a 2-1 defeat on foreign soil, Fenerbahce will have a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders here. Appointing Jose Mourinho over the summer, the former Manchester United boss saw his squad claim a much-welcomed boost over the weekend. Getting the new Super Lig campaign underway with a 1-0 victory at home against Adana Demirspor, the Turkish giants will be excited by their continued success at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Extending on their Champions League qualifying adventure last month as they secured a 6-4 aggregate win against Swiss-based outfit Lugano, Tuesday’s hosts have suffered just a single competitive defeat in front of their own supporters throughout 2024.

Team News

While Mert Yandas might have been forced to serve a domestic suspension against Adana Demirspor over the weekend, the 29-year-old is free to feature on Tuesday evening. However, still dealing with a recent muscle injury, former Manchester United midfielder Fred remains a real doubt at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Opening his Super Lig account on Saturday and in the midst of what has become a sensational summer purple patch, ex-Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko will spearhead Mourinho’s charge in Istanbul. Despite, arriving from Sevilla last month, Morocco international Youssef En Nesyri will likely settle for a spot on the bench.

Lille

As for the visitors, putting in what was a stellar performance last week as they snatched a 2-1 victory at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille will be desperate to collect a heavyweight scalp here. Appearing to be enjoying life under the guidance of new boss Bruno Genesio, the Mastiffs find the mood in their camp at a real high. Signing off their summer preparations with a 3-1 win against Spanish outfit Celta Vigo, the former Rennes boss will be relishing a trip to Istanbul on Tuesday evening. However, although Lille might hold a slender advantage heading into their second-leg showdown, Genesio’s camp will know the importance of finding some welcomed defensive resolve. Continuing on from last season, the midweek guests have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous 14 competitive appearances across all competitions.

Team News

Arriving from Turkish outfit Trabzonspor this summer on a season-long loan switch, former Borussia Dortmund star Thomas Meunier could once again start at the heart of Lille’s defence. Despite being linked with a potential Premier League return, ex-Manchester United starlet Angel Gomes will play a leading role in the middle of the park.

Featuring for Canada at this summer’s Copa America and enjoying a real Ligue 1 flurry last season as they notched 19 top-flight goals, attacking talisman Jonathan David will lead Lille’s charge here. Despite bagging a sensational late winner last week, Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova will settle for a spot on the bench.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fenerbahce and Lille met for their first-leg showdown at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy last week, the Mastiffs collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
• Tuesday’s hosts have suffered just a single competitive defeat at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium throughout 2024.
• Lille have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 14 competitive appearances across all competitions.
• Continuing on from his summer preparations, Edin Dzeko has now bagged eight goals in his previous six matchups.
• All of Lille’s last five competitive appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Lille might travel out to Istanbul holding a slender 2-1 lead, the Mastiffs will certainly face a real challenge on foreign soil. With Mourinho’s new squad suffering just a single competitive defeat at the the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium throughout 2024, neutrals will be hoping for another lively showdown on Tuesday evening. It should be highlighted, with Lille seeing all of their previous five appearances continuing on from last season finish with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet