Anderlecht face a tough battle to remain in this season’s Europa League.
The Belgian side looked on course for a spot in the Top 8 but faltered at the final hurdles.
Now drawn against a Jose Mourinho-led Fenerbahce in the play-offs, manager David Hubert is going to have to find a way to inspire his group of players.
Below is a full preview of Thursday’s match in Istanbul, complete with the latest football odds for your football bet and sports betting.
Fenerbahce vs Anderlecht Preview
Defeats away at Viktoria Plzen and at home to Hoffenheim saw Anderlecht finish 10th in the League Phase, behind 8th-placed Rangers on goal difference only.
So it is safe to say the Jupiler Pro League outfit threw away a place in the Round of 16 and it won’t be easy to rediscover their spark on the European stage.
Fenerbahce drew their final two matches of the League Phase, against Lyon and FC Midtjylland respectively, and only scraped into the play-offs by virtue of a superior goal difference compared to Braga.
But while their Europa League adventure has perhaps not quite gone to plan thus far, Fenerbahce are still a team to be feared.
Unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions, last tasting defeat at the start of December, the Turkish Super Lig side will really fancy their chances of a first-leg victory on home soil.
However, Anderlecht may have a degree of confidence, despite a tricky end to the League Phase.
As well as winning three of the last four in the Pro League, Hubert’s men qualified for the Croky Cup final with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Antwerp in the semi-finals.
It is certainly not the worst preparation for a daunting trip to play Fenerbahce in a knockout tie!
Fenerbahce vs Anderlecht Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Famous for their strength at home, Fenerbahce are huge favourites here at 1.51. Anderlecht are priced at 6.30 to claim a shock away win, while the draw is 4.30.
Fenerbahce vs Anderlecht Betting Tips
Fenerbahce first goalscorer – Youssef En-Nesyri @ 3.00
En-Nesyri has been a rich source of goals for Mourinho this season. The Moroccan star has scored 13 in the Super Lig, as well as tallying four in eight Europa League appearances. So wagering on him to be Fenerbahce’s first scorer seems a sensible course of action!
Under 2.5 goals in the match @ 2.20
Both these sides have impressive forward lines, however, the first leg of a knockout tie can often be cagey. Furthermore, Fenerbahce – who we assume will be the aggressors in front of their own fans – only scored nine times in the League Phase, hence why we are picking a lower goals total.
Fenerbahce to win and under 2.5 goals in the match @ 3.96
And factoring in a smaller number of goals scored is a great way to boost your odds on a Fenerbahce win!
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