Prediction: Fenerbahce to win 3-1
Best Odds: 52/5
Lugano and Fenerbahce will lock horns with each other in the UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round this week. The first leg of the tie between the Swiss Super League club and the Turkish Süper Lig team will be held at the Stockhorn Arena in Lugano. It is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm UK on Tuesday.
Lugano
FC Lugano are a modest club in Switzerland. They have not been hugely successful in recent history. They last won the Swiss Super League back in 1949. Lugano finished second last season, the first time they have finished runners-up since 2001.
Mattia Croci-Torti’s side are not expected to progress as far as the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, but they will certainly give their all. Playing the first leg at home will enhance their confidence.
FC Lugano have been doing well in recent weeks. They beat Grasshopper Zurich in the Swiss Super League this past weekend. The Bianconeri beat Bellinzona and Parma in pre-season friendly matches.
Team News:
Lugano are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Saipi will be I goal for the home team and will have Brault-Guillard, Mai, El Wafi and Valenzuela ahead of him in defence. Belhadj and Doumbia will be deployed in holding midfield. Bislimi, Bottani and Cimignani will be the playmakers. Aliseda will lead the line for Lugano.
Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce are one of the biggest and most successful clubs in Turkey, but they have not done that well in recent years. Sarı Kanaryalar finished second in the Turkish Super Lig last season and under new head coach Jose Mourinho will be keen on winning the title in the new campaign.
Sarı Kanaryalar have not won the Turkish Super Lig title for over 10 years and will be determined to get their glory days back under the legendary Mourinho. The Portuguese boss will first have to make sure that Fenerbahce are able to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Fenerbahce have been doing well under former Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Mourinho so far. They have won three of their five pre-season friendly games so far.
Team News:
Fenerbahce are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Livakovic will be in goal for Fenerbahce. Osayi-Samuel, Soyuncu, Djiku and Mercan will be in defence. Krunic and Fred will be deployed in defensive midfield. Tadic, Szymanski and Kent will be the three attacking midfielders. Dzeko will lead the line for Fenerbahce.
Key Factors to Consider
- Lugano finished second in the Swiss Super League last season.
- Fenerbahce have drawn 1 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
- Lugano scored 67 goals in 38 Swiss Super League games last season.
- Fenerbahce have lost 1 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
- Fenerbahce have won 3 of their last 6 matches in all competitions.
Conclusion
Lugano may be at home, but Fenerbahce have a better team and a world-class manager in Jose Mourinho. It is very likely that Lugano will step up their game, but Turkish giants Fenerbahce should be able to get the job done in the first leg and register a comfortable win.
Prediction: Fenerbahce to win 3-1
Best Odds: 52/5
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