Prediction: Ludogorets vs Fenerbahce

Verdict: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to extend on their Europa Conference League romp on Thursday night, Fenerbahce will make the trip to Bulgaria when they meet Ludogorets.

Ludogorets

Starting with the hosts, while Ludogorets might find themselves tipped as a leading contender to defend their domestic crown this season, the Eagles are facing a major uphill battle in their bid to punch a Europa Conference League knockout stage ticket. Last seen in European action putting in another worrying display as they slumped to a routine 3-1 drumming away at Fenerbahce, the Bulgarian giants will be more than aware that they face another heavyweight challenge here. With their Conference League struggles underlined by an infamous 7-1 defeat away at Danish-based outfit Nordsjaelland on October 5th, Ludogorets have quickly gained a reputation for their rather glaring issues at the back. Suffering back-to-back Group H defeats by an aggregate score of 10-2, Georgi Dermendzhiev’s side know that they face a must-win showdown on Thursday night.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance this season, Ludogorets will once again be without the services of Israel international Denny Gropper on Thursday night. Likewise, Dermendzhiev’s side will also be without former Antwerp defender Dinis Almeida here.

While Rwan Seco might have failed to find the net in any of his last five appearances across all competitions, the ex-Santos starlet should spearhead Ludogorets’ charge in midweek.

Fenerbahce

As for the visitors, while Fenerbahce might have been last seen over the weekend getting hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat at home against Trabzonspor, the Turkish heavyweights should still find the mood in their camp at a high. In the midst of what has quickly become a Europa Conference League romp, Ismail Kartal’s side find themselves cruising towards a knockout stage ticket. Last seen n Group H action claiming a 3-1 victory against Thursday’s hosts, the Yellow Canaries have won each of their three European outings by an aggregate score of 8-3. With many tipping Fenerbahce as a genuine contender this season, they have also continued to shine with their performances on the road. In fact, Kartal’s side have remarkably won each of their first nine away fixtures across all competitions this season.

Team News

Fenerbahce will once again be unable to call upon the services of former Bournemouth striker Joshua King on Thursday night. While Emre Mor might have made a first appearance of the season against Trabzonspor last weekend, the ex-Celta Vigo star will have to settle for a spot on the bench here.

Already notching a pair of Europa Conference League strikes this season, Belgium international Michy Batshuayi should spearhead Fenerbahce’s charge in Bulgaria.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Europa Conference League showdown a fortnight ago, Fenerbahce picked up a 3-1 victory on home soil.
• The Turkish giants have remarkably won each of their previous nine away fixtures across all competitions.
• Likewise, Fenerbahce have won their first Europa Conference League matchups by an aggregate score of 8-3.
• Ludogorets have lost their past two Europa Conference League appearances by an aggregate score of 10-2.
• Eight of Ludogorets’ last 10 home fixtures across all formats have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Fenerbahce might have suffered domestic heartbreak last weekend as they eventually fell to a 3-2 loss at home against Trabzonspor, the Turkish icons will be smelling the chance to claim an immediate response here. Enjoying a stellar Europa Conference League flurry and appearing to cruise their way to the knockout stage, Thursday’s guests will be looking to make another statement on foreign soil. Landing a 3-1 victory when they welcomed Ludogorets to Istanbul a fortnight ago, we are expecting a similar outcome in Bulgaria.

Verdict: Fenerbahce win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Olympusbet