Verdict: Goal in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Seeking an immediate response when they turn their attention back to Europa League duties on Thursday evening, Aston Villa will travel to Istanbul for a heavyweight showdown against Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce
Starting with the hosts, while Fenerbahce might have a real battle on their hands in the race to claim a first domestic crown since way back in 2014, the Turkish giants are enjoying what has become a real purple patch. Last seen over the weekend securing an action-packed 3-2 victory away at Alanyaspor, Domenico Tedesco should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Making a heavyweight statement earlier in the month as they clinched a 2-0 win against arch-rivals and reigning Turkish champions Galatasaray, the Yellow Canaries have won seven of their previous eight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to a 1-1 stalemate against Basaksehir on December 6th. It should also be highlighted, Fenerbahce have suffered just a sole defeat across any front since the end of September.
Fenerbahce Team News
Suffering AFCON heartbreak with Morocco last weekend, former Sevilla striker Youssef En Nesyri is not expected to play any part on Thursday evening. Likewise, still dealing with a recent muscle issue, Fenerbahce will also be without one-time Derby County youngster Archie Brown.
While West Ham loanee Edson Alvarez might have made a first appearance since December 15th last week, the Mexican skipper will settle for a spot on the bench. Bagging a brace against Alanyaspor on Sunday and now notching nine goals in his previous six appearances across all competitions, the red-hot Talisca will lead the line here.
Aston Villa
As for the visitors, missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity as they slumped to a shock 1-0 loss at home against Everton over the weekend, Aston Villa will be desperately seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, receiving a string of plaudits rom across the continent this season, Unai Emery’s men are widely regarded as a standout Europa League contender this season. Sat in bronze medal position among England’s elite, the former Arsenal boss has also seen his squad continue to impress outside of the Midlands. Extending on their FA Cup adventure earlier in the month as they secured a 2-1 win away at Tottenham, Aston Villa have lost just one of their previous eight showdowns on the road – a run that stems all the way back to November 1st.
Aston Villa Team News
Lasting just 18 minutes against Everton on Sunday afternoon and limping off with a reported knee injury, Aston Villa will be without Scotland international John McGinn here. Not featuring over the past few weeks and still dealing with a recent thigh issue, former Everton midfielder Amadou Onana will not feature in Istanbul.
However, recently returning from a calf injury, Spanish international Pau Torres will start at the heart of Emery’s defence on Thursday evening. Making his return from AFCON duties with the Ivory Coast on Sunday, summer recruit and former Nice striker Evann Guessand could be handed a full recall here.
Fenerbahce vs Aston Villa Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Istanbul will be the first competitive meeting between Fenerbahce and Aston Villa since way back in 1977.
- The Yellow Canaries have won seven of their previous eight matchups across all competitions.
- Aston Villa have lost just one of their previous eight showdowns on the road – a run that stems all the way back to November 1st.
- The Villians have recorded just a sole clean sheet from their previous 11 straight outings across all fronts.
- Brazilian striker Talisca has remarkably notched nine goals in his previous six appearances across all competitions.
Conclusion
While Aston Villa might be seeking an immediate response on Thursday evening, Emery’s men should be bracing themselves for a stern examination on foreign soil. Watching Fenerbahce win seven of their previous eight appearances across all competitions, the Turkish giants have also found a real clinical edge in the final third. With Villa remarkably mustering just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 11 straight outings, Thursday’s guests could be asked some serious questions in Istanbul.
Verdict: Goal in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster