Fenerbahce will welcome Nottingham Forest to Istanbul for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League (UEL) play-off clash on Thursday evening. Both teams finished outside of the top eight in the league phase, which would have guaranteed a place in the knockout stage, but inside the top 24, which gave them a play-off place.
Fenerbahce finished in 19th in the end, accumulating 12 points from their eight games, while Forest finished just six places above them in 13th, with two extra points and 14 in total. Nonetheless, with the Turks having home advantage in the first leg, we are expecting a highly-competitive match-up.
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Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest prediction: Both sides to settle on stalemate?
Key stats
- Fenerbahce are on a four-game winning streak in all competitions.
- Forest are winless in three matches.
- Fenerbahce's last three games have seen both teams score.
Correct score prediction: Fenerbahce 1-1 Nottingham Forest
With both sides among the competition's best defences in the league phase, we are expecting a cagey affair, especially given that it is just the first leg. Fenerbahce have certainly been in better form, but Forest boast a strong squad playing in the Premier League.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Fenerbahce favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Fenerbahce are the favourites with bookmakers to take a lead into the second leg. A Forest win can still be backed at just over 33%, while a draw is rated at just over 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: First meeting
Thursday will mark the first meeting between the two sides in a competitive outing. Fenerbahce met English opposition in the league phase, but lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa.
Fenerbahce preview: Brown injured
Archie Brown is Fenerbahce's only injury concern ahead of this clash. There should be a number of recognisable names in the starting XI to Forest due to their time in the Premier League.
Predicted lineup: Ederson (GK); Semedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Muldur; Kante, Guendouzi; Nene, Asensio, Akturcoglu & Talisca
Last five results:
- 14/02/26: Trabzonspor 2-3 Fenerbahce (Super Lig)
- 09/02/26: Fenerbahce 3-1 Genclerbirligi (Super Lig)
- 05/02/26: Fenerbahce 3-1 Erzurumspor (Turkish Cup)
- 02/02/26: Kocaelispor 0-2 Fenerbahce (Super Lig)
- 29/01/26: FCSB 1-1 Fenerbahce (Europa League)
Nottingham Forest preview: Murillo still doutful
Murillo is still doubtful with a calf injury. Other players like Matz Sels and Chris Wood are longer-term absentees.
Predicted lineup: Gunn (GK); Aina, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Sangare, nderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi & Jesus
Last five results:
- 11/02/26: Nottinghm Forest 0-0 Wolves (Premier League)
- 06/02/26: Leeds 3-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- 01/02/26: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
- 29/01/26: Nottingham Forest 4-0 Ferencvaros (Europa League)
- 25/01/26: Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
Player to watch: Igor Jesus
Igor Jesus scored a brace in the final game of the league phase. This seems to be his competition, as the Forest striker has bagged plenty of goals in it.