Prediction: Sevilla vs Fenerbahce

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 53/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Europa League is back in our lives this week as we prepare to enter the last 16 of this year’s competition. While it may not serve as the ‘big bad’ of European football, the Europa League has some incredible clubs competing in it across the continent. Today, we’re going to take a look at what has the potential to be a really fun encounter between Sevilla and Fenerbahce.

Sevilla

While Sevilla are known as the kings of the Europa League, something tells us they won’t care all too much about that right now. This season, up to this point, has been a disaster for the club as they struggle to fight off the threat of relegation. They just can’t seem to push themselves away from danger and while the UEL is important, you have to wonder where their priorities actually lie.

Team News

Rekik, Bade and Corona are all out injured with Marcao and Gomez being listed as fitness concerns.

Fenerbahce

This red-hot Fenerbahce side went unbeaten in their Europa League group and in the Super Lig, they are doing a good job of pushing rivals Galatasaray all the way to the limit. They’ve been able to build a strong squad for themselves in recent years and this season certainly feels like it could be a special one for them – so long as they can maintain that team cohesion, especially in the final third.

Team News

Batshuayi and Peres are both considered to be doubtful for this one through injury.

Factors to Consider

• Fenerbahce won their Europa League group, whereas Sevilla went through the play-offs.
• Sevilla have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Fenerbahce have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Sevilla have scored nine goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.
• Fenerbahce have scored 16 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

The questionable form of Sevilla in recent weeks is one of the only reasons why we wouldn’t put this down as an automatic victory for the Spanish side. These two teams are fairly evenly matched with Fenerbahce, in recent weeks, really proving why they’re one of the best clubs in Turkey. We’re going to predict an entertaining 1-1 draw, giving us plenty of meat on the bone heading into the second leg.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 53/20

Bookmaker: 888sport