Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Slovacko

Prediction: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: 888sport

The countdown to the start of the new domestic season is almost over as fans from across Europe and beyond look ahead to another year of chaos. Beyond that, though, there’s also a lot of European football to work through, including the return of qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. Today, we’re going to preview the first leg of the third round clash between Fenerbahce and Slovacko.

Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce will be one of the sides with real name value behind them heading into this clash and it’ll be interesting to see whether or not that gets to them. Their opponents have nothing to lose whereas they need to showcase that they’re capable of going deep into a European competition, which should be on the cards given the talent they possess – as well as their rabid fanbase.

Slovacko

The word of the day for Slovacko last season was consistent. In both the regular season and the championship follow-up, they were able to maintain a solid fourth place standing as they pushed through some tough moments at the end of the campaign. They never really felt like consistent challengers to the top three but even so, their style of stifling play was effective.

Factors to Consider

• Fenerbahce came down from the UCL qualifying after being knocked out by Dynamo Kyiv.
• Fenerbahce have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Slovacko have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
• Fenerbahce have scored 11 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Slovacko have scored 12 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

Slovacko are gritty and will feel like they’ve had a good enough pre-season to prepare them for a clash like this, but we just can’t picture them getting anything from this game. Their best bet is to limit the Turkish side both physically and defensively, hopefully restricting what they can do going forward – but we do still think Fenerbahce will be able to secure a 2-0 first leg win.

Prediction: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: 888sport