Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Lugano

Verdict: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure on Tuesday evening, Fenerbahce will welcome Lugano to Istanbul.

Fenerbahce

Starting with the hosts, eventually claiming what was a thrilling first-leg advantage over in Switzerland last week as they secured a 4-3 victory, Fenerbahce will simply be looking to finish off the job with a statement on home soil. Officially getting Jose Mourinho’s tenure underway following the ex-Manchester United bosses arrival last month, the Turkish giants should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Making real history last season as they got their hands on a third consecutive domestic crown, the Yellow Canaries are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender on Tuesday evening. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a thumping 5-1 romp against Hull City on July 18th, Mourinho’s men have suffered just a single defeat from any of their 12 appearances across all competitions continuing on from last season.

Team News

Bagging a stunning first-leg hat-trick over in Switzerland last week and enjoying what has become a sensational summer romp, former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko will spearhead Fenerbahce’s charge here. Registering 24 direct Super Lig goal contributions last season, ex-Ajax star Susan Tadic will join Dzeko in the final third.

Previously working under Mourinho during his time with Premier League giants Manchester United, Brazilian midfielder Fred will start in the middle of the park on Tuesday evening. Former Atletico Madrid defender Caglar Soyuncu will keep his spot at the back.

Lugano

As for the visitors, while Lugano might have eventually slumped to that pulsating 4-3 loss on home soil last week, the Bianconeri should take plenty of positives away from a gutsy performance. Causing the Turkish icons a string of issues, Mattia Croci-Torti’s side will be looking to spring an almighty upset in Istanbul on Tuesday evening. Despite suffering major Swiss Cup final heartbreak back on June 2nd as they were hit with a penalties defeat against Servette, they have enjoyed an eye-catching start to the 2024/25 campaign. Picking up some perfect momentum last weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory away at Basel, Lugano have opened proceedings with back-to-back Super League wins. Although Tuesday’s guests might be seeking some welcomed defensive resolve, Croci-Torti’s side proved last week that they should not be overlooked.

Team News

Still dealing with a muscle injury and missing out on first-leg duties last week, Lugano will once again be unable to call upon Kosovan striker Shkelqim Vladi. However, featuring for Switzerland while away at this summer’s European Championships, Renato Steffen will feature on Tuesday evening.

Grabbing a first goal of the season last weekend away at Basel, former Chicago Fire youngster Ignacio Aliseda will lead Lugano’s charge in the final third. Arriving from Borussia Dortmund this summer, Antonios Papadopoulos will once again start at the heart of Croci-Torti’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fenerbahce and Lugano met for their first-leg showdown last week, the Yellow Canaries picked up an action-packed 4-3 win in Switzerland.
• Continuing on from last season, Mourinho’s men have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 12 matchups across all competitions.
• Extending on from their summer preparations, Lugano have seen four of their previous five matchups across all formats finish with both teams finding the net.
• The Swiss outfit have failed to record a clean sheet in any of their last seven competitive appearances.
• Including a first-leg hat-trick last week, former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has recorded nine goals in his previous seven appearances.

Conclusion

Eventually leaving Switzerland with what was a pulsating 4-3 victory last week, Fenerbahce will be desperate for a far more routine outing here. Rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender, Mourinho’s men have certainly found a major clinical edge in the final third. Along with signing off their pre-season preparations with a 5-1 romp against Hull City earlier in the month, a red-hot Dzeko will be looking to extend on his remarkable free-scoring run on Tuesday evening.

Verdict: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet