Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news, and prediction | OneFootball

Fenerbahce host Nottingham Forest at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in the UEFA Europa League knockout play-off first leg on Thursday evening.

Fenerbahce played out a 1-1 draw at FCSB in their final league phase fixture, while Forest thrashed Ferencvaros 4-0 at the City Ground.

Match preview

Fenerbahce are in the race with Galatasaray for the Super Lig title, but have struggled in the Europa League.

The Yellow Canaries gathered 12 points in eight games, scoring 10 goals and conceding seven during the league phase.

At home, Fenerbahce have been decent, winning twice, drawing once and losing once.

The Turkish giants have averaged 56.7 per cent possession per game — the third-highest in the competition.

In contrast to Fenerbahce, Forest have struggled domestically, but have fared better in Europe.

The Tricky Trees collected 14 points during the league phase, finishing just two points outside the automatic qualification spot for the round of 16.

Forest have been strong offensively, creating the highest number of big chances (32), and have been decent defensively, conceding seven.

Thursday’s clash is manager Vitor Pereira’s first game in charge of Forest. It remains to be seen how the visitors’ tactical set-up will look under him.

Team news

Defender Archie Brown is Fenerbahce’s only injury concern ahead of this fixture.

Goalkeepers Matz Sels and John Victor, as well as Chris Wood, Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Willy Boly are sidelined for Forest. Elliot Anderson is back from suspension.

Predicted line-ups

Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1): Ederson, Mert Muldur, Jayden Oosterwolde, Milan Skriniar, Nelson Semedo, N’golo Kante, Matteo Guendouzi, Kerem Akturkoglu, Marco Asensio, Dorgeles Nene, Talisca

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Angus Gunn, Neco Williams, Morato, Nikola Milenkovic, Ola Aina, Ryan Yates, Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, Igor Jesus, Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Prediction

We predict a 2-1 win for Fenerbahce.

Stats from whoscored.com & sofascore.com