It is yet another new era at Nottingham Forest (the third this season!) as Vitor Pereira takes charge of his first game as manager after replacing Sean Dyche.
And the ex-Wolves boss could not have asked for a trickier assignment, a Europa League play-off trip to one of the most intimidating grounds in Europe – Fenerbahce’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium!
Of course, Premier League survival is Pereira’s main priority, but progression in this competition could also give Forest’s domestic form a real positive boost.
So, here is our full preview for the first leg of an intriguing European tie, and we have picked out some tips from the latest Europa League odds available on NetBet.
And if your wager on any of Thursday night’s matches is coming in with time still left on the clock, our Cash Out feature allows you to collect potential winnings early.
Where can I watch Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest in the UK?
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3, with kick-off scheduled for 5:45pm UK time.
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Preview
Recent results
After winning the Turkish Super Cup, Fenerbahce lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa on Matchday 7, and then drew 1-1 at FCSB in their final League Phase match. However, those results have not impacted their Super Lig form, the Yellow Canaries recording six wins from the last seven following the 3-2 victory at Trabzonspor on the weekend. Interestingly, Domenico Tedesco’s side are yet to suffer a top-flight defeat this season, but still trail Galatasaray by three points.
Nottingham Forest followed up a 1-0 loss at Braga with a 4-0 home success over Ferencvaros on Matchday 8. However, domestic form in the last days of Dyche’s reign was pretty poor, with the Tricky Trees suffering failures vs Crystal Palace (1-1), Leeds (3-1) and Wolves (0-0). As such, Forest sit just three points above the relegation zone!
Head-to-head record
This is the first meeting between Fenerbahce and Nottingham Forest in any European competition.
Team news
Archie Brown and Edson Alvarez are set to be the only major absentees for Fenerbahce. January signings N’Golo Kante and Matteo Guendouzi are in line to feature after being added to the Europa League squad.
Chris Wood, John Victor, Matz Sels and Willy Boly are ruled out for Forest, while Murillo and Nicolo Savona are doubts. Omari Hutchinson, Jair Cunha and Lorenzo Lucca have been added to the Tricky Trees’ squad, and are all available for selection.
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Fenerbahce are the slight favourites ahead of kick-off here at a price of 2.31. A win for Forest is at odds of 3.04, while the draw is 3.25.
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Talisca @ 2.75
After the January departures of Jhon Duran and Youssef En-Nesyri, Talisca is Fenerbahce’s main centre forward option. He is also an absolute superstar, with 21 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season – including four in the Europa League. Forest’s leaky defence may struggle to contain the mercurial Brazilian for 90 minutes.
Player to score or assist – Kerem Akturkoglu @ 2.40
Turkish winger Akturkoglu is in splendid form, with three goals and an assist in the previous two Super Lig games. Furthermore, he has shone in this competition with four goals and an assist in seven matches, so the odds on offer here really do look fantastic. Both Talisca and Akturkoglu were on target against Trabzonspor last Saturday.
Draw no bet – Fenerbahce @ 1.68
Fenerbahce are favourites for a reason, with a renowned strength at home and an enviable unbeaten record in this season’s Super Lig. However, English sides in European competition have a habit of upsetting the odds in recent years, so taking away some of the risk with this selection could prove to be a sensible course of action. Forest lost just one of their four away League Phase matches, the aforementioned 1-0 loss at Braga.
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