Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Royale Union

Verdict: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster

Getting their Europa League adventure underway on Thursday evening, Fenerbahce will welcome Royale Union to Istanbul.

Fenerbahce

Starting with the hosts, watching their purple patch come to an abrupt end over the weekend as they fell to an infamous 3-1 drumming at home against arch-rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahce know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. However, despite appearing to have turned a real corner on either side of September’s international break as the Turkish giants enjoyed a three-match domestic winning run, Jose Mourinho’s men are seeking some stability. Suffering major Champions League heartbreak last month as they fell to a 3-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of French outfit Lille, Thursday’s hosts have won just a quartet of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. While the former Manchester United boss might have watched his squad suffer a real domestic blow over the weekend, they should be smelling a potential opportunity here.

Team News

Failing to make a single domestic appearance over the past month, Fenerbahce will once again be without former QPR youngster Bright Osayi-Samuel on Thursday evening. While ex-Rangers star Ryan Kent might have eventually stayed put in Istanbul this summer, the 27-year-old will not be included in Mourinho’s squad here.

Bagging a consolation strike against Galatasaray over the weekend, one-time Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko will spearhead Fenerbahce’s charge in the final third. Despite notching just a single strike since arriving from Al-Ahil this summer, former Newcastle ace Allan Saint-Maximin should partner Dzeko in the final third.

Royale Union

As for the visitors, while Royale Union might have gained plenty of plaudits last season as they snatched a silver medal finish among Belgium’s elite, Sebastian Pocognoli’s men have endured a public struggle this time around. Scrapping it out at the foot of the Pro League table and coming under a tremendous amount of recent scrutiny, the Yellows have remarkably registered just a single victory from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to August 2nd. Forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate away at St. Liege, the Brussels-based outfit have also gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring struggles in the final third. Marking their return from September’s International break with a 2-0 defeat at the hands on Antwerp, Royale Union have recorded just a sole strike from any of their last six appearances.

Team News

While former Boca Juniors defender Kevin Mac Allister might have missed out against St. Liege over the weekend after serving a domestic suspension, the 26-year-old should make a full return on Thursday evening. Likewise, still dealing with a recent foot injury, Henok Teklab remains on the sidelines and will not feature here.

Making a first appearance of the season on Friday night, ex-Portsmouth star Christian Burgess should keep his spot at the heart of Les Unionistes’ defence. Although summer recruit Mohammed Fuseini might have failed to find the net in any of his previous four appearances, the Ghanaian youngster should lead Union’s charge.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Fenerbahce and Royale Union met in the Round of 16 stage during last season’s tournament, Thursday’s hosts won their back-to-back meetings by an aggregate score of 4-0.
• Despite a 3-1 loss at home against arch-rivals Galatasaray over the weekend, Mourinho’s side have won each of their other nine showdowns in front of their own supporters.
• Royale Union have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
• Thursday’s guests have failed to find the net in all of their last four consecutive appearances.
• Likewise, Royale Union have registered just a single strike in any of their last six matchups on the bounce.

Conclusion

Eventually falling to that infamous 3-1 drumming at home against Galatasaray over the weekend, Fenerbahce will be demanding an immediate response here. Claiming a routine 4-0 aggregate victory when they met Royale Union in the Round of 16 stage during last season’s tournament, Mourinho’s side should be smelling a potential opportunity on Thursday evening. With the Belgium-based outfit at the heart of a public struggle, we are backing a home win in Istanbul.

Verdict: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 2/3

Bookmaker: Luckster