Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Manchester United

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Turning their attention back to Europa League action on Thursday night, Manchester United will travel to Istanbul when they meet Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce

Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Samsunspor over the weekend as they marked their return from October’s international break with an action-packed 2-2 stalemate, Fenerbahce will be excited to make a return to Istanbul on Thursday night. Now under the guidance of former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, the Yellow Canaries will be smelling the chance to claim a heavyweight scalp here. Getting their Europa League adventure underway on September 26th with a 2-1 victory against Royale Union, Fenerbahce have lost just one of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes. It should also be highlighted, aside from an infamous 3-1 drumming at the hands of arch-rivals Galatasaray last month, that is the only defeat that Mourinho’s men have suffered in front of their own supporters since the middle of March.

Team News

While the duo of Ismail Yuksek and former QPR starlet Bright Osayi-Samuel might have missed out against Samsunspor over the weekend, Fenerbahce are hopeful that both will be able to make a return here. However, former Leicester loanee Cengiz Under is seen as a doubt on Thursday night.

The former Manchester United duo of Sofyan Amrabat and Fred will start at the heart of Mourinho’s midfield. While veteran striker Edin Dzeko might have recorded just a single goal in any of his previous five appearances for club and country, the ex-Manchester City marksman will lead Fenerbahce’s attack.

Manchester United

As for the visitors, mounting an essential comeback at home against Brentford last weekend as they eventually left Old Trafford with a 2-1 win, Manchester United are desperate to use that late flurry as a platform to build on. However, with the pressure on Eric ten Hag’s shoulders still at a boiling point, the Red Devils have drastically struggled to find any kind of stability this season. Putting just a pair of points on the board from either of their opening two Europa League showdowns, the former Ajax boss will have a real headache over his side’s extended issues on the road. Despite snatching what was a sensational 3-3 stalemate away at Portuguese giants Porto on October 3rd, United have remarkably recorded just a trio of victories away from Old Trafford since the end of February.

Team News

Limping off against Brentford last weekend after picking up a late knock, Manchester United are sweating over the fitness of former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro. Likewise, not featuring in ten Hag’s squad on Saturday afternoon, England international Mason Mount is not expected to travel to Istanbul on Thursday night.

In what is a huge blow for ten Hag’s side, they have also confirmed that midfield talisman Kobbie Mainoo will not play any part here. Finding the net at Old Trafford last weekend and recording a pair of goals since returning from injury last month, Rasmus Hojlund will lead United’s charge in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fenerbahce and Manchester United last met back in November 2016, the Yellow Canaries collected a 2-1 victory in Istanbul.
• Fenerbahce have suffered just a single defeat in front of their own supporters since the middle of March.
• The Red Devils have recorded just a trio of victories away from Old Trafford since the end of February.
• The last four competitive showdowns between Fenerbahce and Manchester United have produced 19 goals at both ends of the pitch.
• Four of Fenerbahce’s last five appearances across all competitions have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Manchester United might have eventually snatched a dramatic 2-1 win against Brentford last weekend, ten Hag’s side could have a real tussle on their hands when they travel to Istanbul on Thursday night. Forced to settle for a remarkable 3-3 stalemate away at Porto earlier in the month, the Reds have continued to gain a reputation for their glaring inconsistencies away from Old Trafford. It should be noted, with Fenerbahce seeing four of their previous five showdowns finish with both teams finding the net, we are backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Dachbet