Fenerbahce vs Olympique Lyonnais Prediction

Fenerbahce return to Europa League action as they welcome Olympique Lyonnais to the Şükrü Saracoğlu tomorrow night. Fenerbahce have not had the greatest run in the Europa League, with two wins from six games they are currently placed 21st and are in dire need of a win to ensure they can maintain their knockout playoff spot. Their opponents going into this game have already guaranteed themselves into the knockout stages but need to ensure they remain strong so they can automatically be put through instead of leaving it up to a playoff round.

Key Stats

• Fenerbahce have not lost in their last six matches, while scoring 16 goals across this period
• Lyon are without a win in their last three games, with one loss coming against fifth tier of French football side, Bourgoin-Jallieu
• Lyon winger Rayan Cherki is joint first with most goal contributions in the tournament

Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

José Mourinho’s side have been unable to share the same success in the Europa League as they have done in the Süper Lig. The Turkish side currently sit in 21st Place in the Europa League table and are dangerously close to dropping out of their knockout playoff spot. With their last loss coming in the Europa League and with everything to gain, can Fenerbahce cope with the pressure or can they translate their league form into the European competition.

In complete contrast, their opponents Lyon have shown glimpses of dominance in this tournament so far, as mathematically they have already secured a place into the next round of the tournament. However, their fight is far from over as it would be in better interest for them remain in the top eight and go straight through without having to play a knockout game. While they have shown great form in this tournament, their recent form has been shocking, without a win from their last three attempts on top of only managing six goals across their last five games.

Fenerbahce Preview

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Predicted Line-Up: Eğribayat; Mercan, Djiku, Soyuncu; Kostic, Szymanksi, Fred, Aydin; Tadic; Dzeko, En-Nesyri

Fenerbahce have been such a formidable team defensively in the Turkish Super Lig this season, establishing themselves as the best defensive team with the joint least goals conceded. However, first choice goalkeeper Dominik Livaković is in doubt with an injury which saw İrfan Can Eğribayat in between the sticks for Fenerbahce last match. The Turkish back up goalkeeper made two saves and kept in a clean sheet in their last match and looks set to take the reins for his Europa League debut.

En-Nesyri is set to cause havoc to the Lyon defence, netting 14 goals across all competitions this season the Moroccan has cemented himself as a goalscoring threat.

Olymmpique Lyonnais Preview

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-Up: Perri; Abner, Caleta-Car, Niakhate, Mata; Veretout, Tolisso, Matic; Fofana, Mikautadze, Cherki

Olympique Lyonnais will feel comfortable going into this match as they have already ensured themselves a spot in the next round. Pierre Sage will need to make sure his side are still on top of their game as they have struggled with a dip in their form and are now winless from their last three matches. Sage will be calling out to key player Rayan Cherki who has been a delight to watch in his Europa League campaign, with no other playing managing more goal contributions than him so far.

With Alexander Lacazette in doubt, all eyes will turn to Malick Fofana for attacking threat. The French youngster has already managed four goals in the tournament so far and one more could see him become only the fourth teenager to hit five goals in a single Europa League season.

Head to Head Stats

Olympique Lyonnais will be looking to maintain a 100%-win record against Fenerbahce with the two teams last meeting back in 2004.

Betting Tips

Fenerbahce look strong but Lyon are a team that have dominated the Europa League this season and if they can find their footing, Fenerbahce will be nervous going into this game. It is a big ‘if’ with Lyon finding form, making the result tough to call.

For this reason, our betting experts suggest Over 2.5 Goals is the best value tip going into this game. With odds at 4/7, a bet of £10 could see a return of up to £15.71

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Olympique Lyonnais

Fenerbahce 1-2 Olympique Lyonnais