Verdict: Marco Asensio over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Getting their Europa League play-off adventure underway on Thursday evening, Fenerbahce will travel to Istanbul when they meet Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce
Starting with the hosts, while Fenerbahce might have an almighty battle on their hands in the race to reclaim their Super Lig crown in 2026, the Turkish giants are enjoying an extended purple patch. Putting in another action-packed performance over the weekend as they secured a 3-2 victory away at domestic foes Trabzonspor, Domenico Tedesco’s side will be confident of claiming a crucial first-leg advantage here. In fact, the former Belgium boss has seen his squad win each of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-4. Likewise, despite falling to a close-fought 1-0 loss against Aston Villa on January 22nd, that is the only defeat that Fenerbahce have suffered across all fronts since opening the New Year.
Fenerbahce Team News
While Edson Alvarez might have struggled to find any real stability since completing a season-long loan switch from West Ham, the Mexican skipper should return to Fenerbahce squad here. However, one-time Derby youngster Archie Brown remains on the sidelines with a long-term muscle issue.
Once again finding the net against Trabzonspor last weekend and getting in the scoresheet in three of his previous four outings, ex-Real Madrid superstar Marco Asensio should play a leading role in the final third. January recruit and former Chelsea ace N’Golo Kante will start in the middle of the park.
Nottingham Forest
As for the visitors, enduring another turbulent time behind the scenes, new boss Vitor Pereira has a major job on his hands at the City Ground. Missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a downbeat 0-0 stalemate at home against Wolves, that result was the final nail in Sean Dyche’s coffin. Falling to a 3-1 defeat away at Leeds earlier in the month, Wednesday’s guests have continued to show some rather glaring issues this season. At the heart of a Premier League relegation scrap, Pereira will be bracing himself for a stern maiden challenge in charge. It should also be highlighted, along with their shock FA Cup exit against Wrexham on January 9th, Forest have lost five of their previous seven matchups away from the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Once again missing out against Wolves over the weekend with a reported calf issue, Nottingham Forest are still sweating over the fitness of defensive talisman Murillo. Likewise, New Zealand international Chris Wood is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign with a knee injury.
Continuing to shine on the continent this season and notching six goals in as many Europa League appearances, Igor Jesus could be handed a full recall. Linked with a string of Premier League giants ahead of the summer, Elliot Anderson could play a leading role in the middle of the park.
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Istanbul will be the first competitive meeting between Fenerbahce and Nottingham Forest.
- Fenerbahce have won each of their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-4.
- Nottingham Forest have lost five of their previous seven showdowns away from the City Ground.
- Brazilian striker Igor Jesus has recorded six goals in as many Europa League appearances this season.
- Former Real Madrid superstar Marco Asensio has found the net in three of his previous four appearances across all competitions.
Conclusion
While Pereira might officially get his Nottingham Forest tenure underway on Thursday evening, the Premier League strugglers look set for a stern opening challenge here. Watching Fenerbahce embark on a stellar domestic flurry, the Turkish heavyweights will be confident of claiming a first-leg advantage in midweek. Continuing to shine with their free-scoring performances in the final third, Fenerbahce will be looking to exploit a Forest squad who have gained a reputation for their issues away from the City Ground.
Verdict: Marco Asensio over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster