An intriguing UEFA Europa League (UEL) battle awaits in Istanbul on Thursday evening as two big football clubs in Fenerbahce and Aston Villa face off. Both teams will have aspirations of finishing in the top eight come the end of the league phase.
Villa are in the better position to do that in third, while Fenerbahce are in 12th. Nonetheless, the hosts are in great form, and so will be expected to cause the Villans plenty of problems.
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Fenerbahce vs Aston Villa prediction: Both sides to shake hands on draw?
Key stats
- Fenerbahce are on a four-game winning run in all competitions.
- Villa have lost just once in four matches across all competitions.
- Villa won the previous two H2Hs by an aggregate score of 6-0.
Correct score prediction: Fenerbahce 1-1 Aston Villa
We are expecting a very competitive affair given the quality of both teams, who could share a point each. Fenerbahce have not conceded many goals at all in recent matches, so it may be tough for Villa to break them down.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Villa favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 17/10 (2.70) – 37.0%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 29/20 (2.45) – 40.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Villa are the slight favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points in Turkey. Fenerbahce can still be backed to increase their winning streak at 37%, while a draw is rated at just under 29%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page, as well as our Europa League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Villa boast 100% record
Both teams have only played each other twice, incidentally in the same competition in 1977! Villa won both games to nil, but it is hard to read too much into these results.
Fenerbahce preview: Brown only injury
Archie Brown is Fenerbahce's only reported injury concern at the time of writing. It is unclear whether any January signings will be in the squad.
Predicted lineup: Ederson (GK); Semedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Muldur; Fred, Yuksek; Talisca, Asensio, Akturcoglu & Duran
Last five results:
- Alanyaspor 2-3 Fenerbahce
- Beyoglu Yeni Carsi 0-1 Fenerbahce
- Galatasaray 0-2 Fenerbahce
- Fenerbahce 2-0 Samsunspor
- Fenerbahce 1-2 Besiktas
Aston Villa preview: Kamara injury blow
Boubacar Kamara has been ruled out for the season in a big injury blow for Villa. John McGinn is also a doubt after being forced off in their 1-0 defeat against Everton at Villa Park last time out.
Predicted lineup: Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Bogarde, Tielemans; Guessand, Buendia, Rogers & Watkins
Last five results:
- Aston Villa 0-1 Everton
- Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa
- Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest
- Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
Player to watch: Jhon Duran
Former Villa striker Jhon Duran should line up against his former club here for Fenerbahce. The striker has two goals in his last five appearances, but none in his previous three, and will be hoping to put that right in Istanbul on Thursday.