Prediction: Zimbru vs Fenerbahce

Verdict: Fenerbahce half-time/full-time

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Already knowing that it is essentially job done before they travel out to Moldova on Thursday evening, Fenerbahce will meet Zimbru for their second-leg showdown.

Zimbru

Starting with the hosts, left disappointed last season after they eventually had to settle for a bronze medal finish among Moldova’s elite, it is fair to say that Zimbru have shown some extended issues on either side of the summer break. While Lilian Popescu’s men might have extended on their Europa Conference League qualifying adventure last month as they edged past La Fiorita thanks to a nail-biting 2-1 aggregate victory, the Chisinau-based outfit would have always known that they faced a monumental challenge when they travelled out to Turkey last week. Completely blown away on foreign soil as they eventually slumped to a 5-0 drumming, the former Sheriff Tiraspol boss will simply be calling on his struggling squad to put in a far more improved performance when they return to home soil in midweek. However, signing off last season’s Super Liga campaign by failing to win any of their final four top-flight showdowns, it should also be noted that Zimbru have won just a pair of their last 10 straight appearances across all competitions continuing on from their pre-season preparations.

Team News

Limping off after just 16 minutes during last week’s first-leg showdown out in Turkey, Zimbru should be without 20-year-old midfielder Vlad Raileanu on Tuesday evening.

All settling for a spot on the bench last week, the likes of Marin Caruntu, Dinis Leseanu and Stefan Burghiu will all be hoping for a full recall here.

Fenerbahce

As for the visitors, laying down what was a major Europa Conference League qualifying marker last week as they breezed their way to that stellar 5-0 romp, Fenerbahce will simply be looking to produce a repeat performance on Tuesday evening. Punching a silver medal finish among Turkey’s elite last season, it is no secret that the Yellow Canneries have their sights set on mounting a genuine European charge this year. Crowned Turkish Cup champions back on June 11th as they picked up a rugged 2-0 victory against Basaksehir, Ismail Kartal’s men have continued to impress since returning from last winter’s World Cup interval. In fact, including their pre-season preparations last month, Fenerbahce have lost just a pair of their previous 19 straight showdowns across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to April 2nd. Already knowing that it is essentially job done before they get their second-leg battle underway in midweek, Kartal’s squad are rightfully tipped as a landslide pick here.

Team News

Once again finding on first-leg duties last week and making an immediate impact since arriving from Inter Milan this summer, ex-Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko should spearhead Fenerbahce’s attack on Tuesday evening.

Likewise, coming off the bench and notching his first goal of the season out in Moldova, former Bournemouth attacker Joshua King will be hoping to be rewarded with a full recall in midweek.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their first-leg showdown on home soil last week, Fenerbahce picked up a thumping 5-0 victory.
• Along with finding the net in his final pre-season appearance against Neftci Baku on July 15th, Edin Dzeko has notched back-to-back goals across all competitions.
• Including that first-leg 5-0 drumming last week, Zimbru have mustered just a pair of wins from their last 10 matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, Tuesday’s hosts have also bagged more than a single goal in just one of those 10 appearances.
• Continuing on from last season, Fenerbahce have lost just a single strike on their travels since back on March 9th.

Conclusion

Essentially completing their qualifying adventure last week as they breezed their way to that stellar 5-0 romp in Moldova last week, Fenerbahce will simply be looking to make another statement on Tuesday evening. Enjoying what has been an extended flurry since returning from last winter’s World Cup break, the Turkish icons should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Likewise, suffering just a single competitive defeat on their travels since way back on March 9th, the midweek guests will be looking to cash in on a Zimbru squad that have shown some continued issues over the past few months.

Verdict: Fenerbahce half-time/full-time

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster