Nottingham Forest already have one foot in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) as they welcome Fenerbahce to the City Ground for the second leg of their play-off tie on Thursday night. Indeed, the Tricky Trees won the first leg 3-0 in Istanbul, so hold a three-goal advantage as they return to home soil.
In terms of domestic form though, Forest are staring at possible relegation from the Premier League, as they currently sit just two points outside the drop zone in 17th. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce are just two points behind Super Lig leaders Galatasaray, in what is set to be a thrilling title race in Turkey.
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Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce prediction: Tricky Trees to cruise through?
Key stats
- Forest's 1-0 loss against Liverpool last time out was their first home defeat in five games in all competitions.
- Fenerbahce have only won four of their last nine matches across all competitions.
- Forest's previous five games have averaged two goals per match in total.
Correct score prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Fenerbahce
Forest established themselves as the better team in the first leg, and so should possess too much quality again in the second. Aside from last weekend's result, they have been generally strong at home, and so we are backing them to claim another fairly comfortable victory here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Forest favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 8/15 (1.53) – 65.2%
- DRAW: 10/3 (4.33) – 23.1%
- AWAY: 9/2 (5.50) – 18.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Forest have been installed as the favourites with bookmakers to emerge victorious once again. A draw in normal time can still be backed at just over 23%, while a Fenerbahce win is rated at just over 18%.
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: Forest won first meeting emphatically
Forest's 3-0 win in the first leg was the first meeting between the two teams. The Tricky Trees will be hoping for a similar scoreline with no scares on Thursday night.
UEFA Europa League 19/02/26
Fenerbahce
Nottm Forest
Nottingham Forest preview: Some rotation expected?
Forest may choose to rotate their team a little with such a big advantage. They have reported no fresh injury concerns since the first leg.
Predicted lineup: Gunn (GK); Aina, Cunha, Morato, Williams; Dominguez, Yates; Ndoye, McAtee, Bakwa & Lucca
Last five results:
- 22/02/26: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
- 19/02/26: Fenerbahce 0-3 Nottingham Forest (Europa League)
- 11/02/26: Nottingham 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)
Fenerbahce preview: Centre-back crisis
Fenerbahce are suffering a crisis at centre-back at the moment. After Milan Skriniar came off with injury in the first leg, both Jayden Oosterwolde and Caglar Soyuncu went off in the first half in their 1-1 home draw with Kasimpasa last time out.
Predicted lineup: Ederson (GK); Semedo, Demir, Kante, Muldur; Yuksek, Guendouzi, Asensio; Nene, Sherif & Akturkoglu
Last five results:
- 23/02/26: Fenerbahce 1-1 Kasimpasa (Super Lig)
- 19/02/26: Fenerbahce 0-3 Nottingham Forest (Europa League)
- 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)
Player to watch: Lorenzo Lucca
Lorenzo Lucca scored on his debut for Forest, but has not managed to establish himself as a regular starter yet. However, given their sizeable lead, the hosts may use the striker from the start and hope he makes another significant impact.