The first leg of the Europa League 2024/25 playoff between Fenerbahce (Turkey) and Anderlecht (Belgium) will take place on February 13 at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Fenerbahce
The Turkish side ended the group stage poorly, failing to win any of their last three matches. First, they lost 0-2 at home to Athletic Club, then drew 0-0 with Lyon at home. In the final round, they drew 2-2 with Midtjylland, which allowed them to climb to 24th place in the standings. Notably, Fenerbahce managed only two wins in eight group stage matches (4 draws and 2 losses).
Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and defender Alexander Djiku will miss the match due to injuries.
- No more than three goals were scored in 9 of Fenerbahce's last 11 Europa League games.
- The team has lost only three times in their last 21 matches in this European competition (10 wins and 8 draws).
- Fenerbahce has not won the first half in their last seven matches in this tournament (4 draws and 3 losses).
Predicted lineup for Fenerbahce (4-3-3)
Bright Osayi-Samuel – Caglar Soyuncu, Alexander Djiku, Yusuf Akcicek, Ismail Yuksek – Fred, Sebastian Szymanski, Mert Hakan Yandas – Dusan Tadic, Edin Dzeko, Youssef En-Nesyri.
Anderlecht
The Belgian side faltered at the end of the group stage, losing their last two matches to Viktoria Plzen (0-2) and Hoffenheim (3-4). However, prior to that, they secured 4 wins and 2 draws, finishing in a respectable 10th place and earning a playoff spot. Anderlecht even had a chance to break into the top eight but lost out to Rangers and Bodo/Glimt on tiebreakers, all finishing with 14 points.
Striker Kasper Dolberg and defender Jan Vertonghen are sidelined due to injuries.
- The club has not lost in 10 of their last 12 Europa League games (6 wins and 4 draws).
- No more than three goals were scored in 11 of Anderlecht's last 13 matches in this tournament.
- The Belgians have failed to score in the first half in 9 of their last 10 away matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Anderlecht (4-3-3)
Mads Kikkenborg – Leander Dendoncker, Ludwig Augustinsson, Jan-Carlo Simic, Killian Sardella – Mats Rits, Tristan Dagrief, Yari Verschaeren – Thorgan Hazard, Luis Vazquez, Francis Amuzu.
Referee
Nicola Dabanovic (Montenegro)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 19;
Penalties – 0%.
Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht: Match Prediction
The Turkish side is favored in this first leg and the overall two-legged tie. It's hard to disagree, as these teams have met four times in the Europa League and Champions League, with Fenerbahce winning three times and drawing once. Notably, Fenerbahce managed to keep a clean sheet in three of those encounters. The upcoming match will also see fervent support from Turkish fans.
The hosts have a strong record in the Europa League at home. In their last 10 home matches, they have won six, drawn three, and lost only once. It's worth noting that during this period, Fenerbahce only failed to win against opponents from the top five European leagues. Meanwhile, Anderlecht tends to win or draw away games in this European competition against clubs ranked lower in the UEFA club rankings. Therefore, my prediction is Fenerbahce to win.
