With the final matchweek of the Europa League‘s league phase set to be played on Thursday, hosts FCSB will be eliminated if they fail to win against Fenerbahce at Arena Nationala.
FCSB are in 29th place with six points, and they are likely to exit the competition after Thursday given they are two points and five places from the final playoff spot for the round of 16, whereas the Turkish visitors are 18th with 11 points and have already secured a playoff spot.
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FCSB vs Fenerbahce prediction: A lack of goals
Key stats
- FCSB have scored just three goals in their last four games in all competitions.
- Fenerbahce have kept six clean sheets in their last 10 matches.
- The visitors have scored one or fewer goals in three of their last four fixtures.
Correct score prediction: FCSB 1-2 Fenerbahce
Neither team have been particularly potent in the final third, so fans should not expect to see a high-scoring contest on Thursday.
Fenerbahce have been strong defensively, and if they can limit the number of chances that FCSB create, then they should be confident of winning.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Fenerbahce predicted to win by the bookmakers
- HOME: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
- DRAW: 10/3 (4.33) – 23.1%
- AWAY: 8/15 (1.53) – 65.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Fenerbahce are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 65.2%, and the bookmakers doubt FCSB's ability to take three points from their opponents.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Fenerbahce ahead
The two sides have met four times in their history, with Fenerbahce emerging as winners in two of those clashes while only losing once.
Fenerbahce last faced FCSB in the Europa League in 2009, winning 1-0 in October and 2-1 in November that year.
FCSB preview: Worrying losing streak
Though FCSB need to win to have any hope of avoiding elimination, they have been defeated in each of their past three games, including on Sunday, when they lost 4-1 against Cfr Cluj.
Striker Daniel Birligea is certain to miss out as he is suspended due to the accumulation of yellow cards, and that could mean that Denis Alibec is set to feature in the forward line.
Predicted lineup: Tarvovanu (GK), Cretu, Lixandru, Dawa, Pantea, Chiriches, Tanase, Cisotti, Olaru, Toma & Alibec
Last five results:
- FCSB 1-4 Cfr Cluj
- Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 FCSB
- FC Arges 1-0 FCSB
- FCSB 2-1 FC Rapid Bucuresti
- Unirea Slobozia 0-2 FCSB
Fenerbahce preview: Mixed performances
Fenerbahce have drawn one and lost one of their two most recent matches, but they did emerge victorious in seven of their prior eight games in all competitions.
Much like their opponents, the visitors are dealing with a suspension to a key star, with centre-back Milan Skriniar unavailable, so expect Yigit Efe Demir and Jayden Oosterwolde to play in the middle of a four-man defence.
Predicted lineup: Ederson (GK), Semedo, Demir, Oosterwolde, Muldur, Fred, Alvarez, Guendouzi, Asensio, Duran & Akturkoglu
Last five results:
- Fenerbahce 1-1 Goztepe
- Fenerbahce 0-1 Aston Villa
- Alanyaspor 2-3 Fenerbahce
- Beyoglu Yeni Cars 0-1 Fenerbahce
- Galatasaray 0-2 Fenerbahce
Player to watch: Marco Asensio
Forward Marco Asensio has enjoyed an excellent season with Fenerbahce, scoring eight goals and registering six assists in 21 games in all competitions.
However, the Spaniard has failed to score or assist in six Europa League matches this term, and if Fenerbahce are to get the better of FCSB, then they will need the attacker to step up on Thursday.