Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Olympiacos

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Needing to mount a Europa Conference League comeback on Thursday night, Fenerbahce will welcome Olympiacos to Istanbul for their second-leg showdown.

Fenerbahce

Starting with the hosts, while Fenerbahce might have been disappointed last week as they eventually fell to a 3-2 loss in Greece, Ismail Kartal’s men claimed an immediate response over the weekend. Claiming a 2-1 victory against Karagumruk and sat in the driving seat to claim a 20th domestic crown this season, the Turkish heavyweights will certainly be excited to make a return to home soil here. Firmly believing that they can mount a second-leg comeback in Istanbul, the Yellow Canaries have continued to shine with their performances at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. Last seen in front of their own supporters claiming an action-packed 4-2 victory against Adana Demirspor, Fenerbahce have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 13 straight showdowns on home soil – a run that stems all the way back to November 4th.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term thigh issue and not making a single appearance across any competition since the start of February, Fenerbahce will once again be without former Bournemouth star Joshua King. Likewise, ex-Marseille defender Luan Peres remains on the sidelines and will not feature here.

Notching 24 goals across all formats so far this season, one-time Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko will spearhead Kartal’s charge on Thursday night. Former Manchester United ace Fred will be hoping to keep his spot at the heart of Fenerbahce’s midfield.

Olympiacos

As for the visitors, while Olympiacos might have endured a minor wobble on either side of March’s international break, the Greek heavyweights have come roaring back in some style. Making a first-leg statement on home soil last week as they secured that action-packed 3-2 victory, Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men are sat in the driving seat to punch a Europa Conference League semi-final spot. Winning their previous three appearances across all competitions and finding a real clinical edge in the final third, Thursday’s guests will also be excited by a rampant record against Fenerbahce. Winning all of their last three meetings against the Yellow Canaries by an aggregate score of 7-2, Olympiacos will be confident of collecting a major European scalp in Istanbul. It should also be highlighted, Mendilibar’s side have won five of their last six matchups on the road.

Team News

Both yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season and still dealing with respective long-term issues, the duo of Bandiougou Fadiga and Doron Leidner will not feature in Istanbul.

However, in what looks set to be a real boost for the Greek giants on Thursday night, former Wolves star Daniel Podence is free to make a full return after serving a one-match suspension last week. Notching five European goals in as many appearances this season, Morocco international Ayoub El Kaabi will lead Mendilibar’s attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fenerbahce and Olympiacos met for their first-leg showdown last week, the Greek giants picked up a 3-2 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Olympiacos have won all of their previous three meetings against Thursday’s hosts by an aggregate score of 7-2.
• Fenerbahce have lost just one of their previous 13 straight appearances on home soil.
• Three of Olympiacos’ last four showdowns on the road have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Likewise, Fenerbahce have seen six of their previous seven home fixtures finish with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

Conclusion

With Thursday’s quarter-finalists playing out a five-goal thriller when they met in Greece last week, neutrals will be hoping for another action-packed affair. Although Olympiacos might be tipped as a real underdog contender here, they do hold a rampant record against the Turkish heavyweights. Winning their previous three showdowns against Fenerbahce by an aggregate score of 7-2, we are expecting what could be another enjoyable battle in midweek.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet