Fenerbahce vs Lyon prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-01-22 17:45.
[p]Ahead of their final two matches in the league stage of this season’s UEFA Europa League (UEL), Fenerbahçe still have work to do if they are to avoid exiting the competition ahead of the knockouts. With only the top 24 teams guaranteed to avoid automatic elimination, José Mourinho’s side begin this round in 21st place but only one point above Braga in 25th.[/p]
[p]After ten European games this season (W4, D3, L3), Fenerbahçe are still yet to keep a clean sheet and come into this clash with Lyon at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium looking to improve on their poor record against French teams. The Turkish giants have won only five of 23 H2Hs with French opposition (D6, L12), including a draw and defeat against Lille in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualifiers earlier this season.[/p]
[p]All four of their previous games against Lyon, UCL contests in 2001 and 2004, have ended in defeat, with two of those H2Hs in Turkey. But the French side, who have failed to win in any of their three other visits to the country (D1, L2), were beaten 1-0 at home against Beşiktaş earlier in this European campaign and are without a victory across their last three matches (D1, L2) in all competitions.[/p]
[p]Their recent demise includes a goalless draw at home against Toulouse on Saturday evening, but it’s a much more positive picture in the UEL where they are yet to lose away this season (W2, D1) and begin this gameweek in fourth place. Lyon will arrive in Istanbul with a play-off place already guaranteed and a win on Thursday could even see them secure safe passage to the round of 16 ahead of their final fixture.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Edin Džeko scored at the weekend and has contributed to a goal in each of Fenerbahçe’s last two home matches (G1, A1). The striker also provided an assist and scored in both of his side’s UEL games in November. Malick Fofana has also been in fine form in this competition, scoring in both of Lyon’s last two UEL games – four of his five goal UEL contributions this term came in away games.[/p]
[p]Hot streak: Fenerbahçe have conceded first in each of their last five UEL fixtures (W1, D2, L2).[/p]
[p][i]Written by Tom Penn[/i][/p]