Fenerbahçe-Twente is a match valid for the first leg of the Conference League qualifying playoffs and is played Thursday at 7 p.m.: predictions.
The qualifying campaign for the Conference League group stage so far has not taken too much energy away from Fenerbahçe, which in the first two preliminaries took a bite out of Moldovans Zimbru and Slovenians Maribor, thrashing them by 16 goals in four games. Despite taking the field as early as the end of July, the historic Istanbul club committed no missteps, arriving as predicted to play in the decisive playoff.
The squad at coach Ismail Kartal’s disposal looks stronger than last year’s, which emerged defeated from the long head-to-head with city rivals Galatasaray after a thrilling fight for the national title. From Inter Milan has arrived Edin Dzeko, a player who despite no longer being very young can still prove decisive. Another valuable reinforcement, in addition to those of Under, Kent and Fred, is that of Dusan Tadic, who like the Bosnian center forward will put his vast international experience at the team’s disposal. In fact, Fenerbahçe is off to a strong start in Super Lig as well, winning their first two games against Gaziantep and Samsunspor and staying on a full points lead (the only one to do so).
Twente is at it again
In the draw, however, the yellow and blue were not so lucky. To enter the group stage of the third continental event, in fact, they will have to get the better of a double confrontation with Twente, a team that in the play-offs a year ago made Fiorentina sweat.
Kjolo (right) against Riga
The Dutch, this year led by Joseph Oosting, are at it again after putting a scare into the purple 365 days ago. In the first two rounds they eliminated Hammarby and Riga, but the European fatigues have not affected, for the moment, their performance in the Eredivisie, where two wins in a row came in the first two days against Almere City and Pec Zwolle (1-4 and 3-1). In short, a team in great shape, just like Fenerbahçe.
The Prediction
For Fenerbahçe it will be crucial not to make a mistake in the first leg, and then be forced to get a full result in the Netherlands, on a complicated pitch. Twente is a very well-organized opponent, not starting off beaten but right now they are at least a span below the Turks, who are favored in a match of at least three goals total.
The probable formations of Fenerbahçe-Twente
- FENERBAHCE (4-3-3): Bayindir; Kadioglu, Aziz, Djiku, Oosterwolde; Elmaz, Yuksek, Yandas; Kahveci, Dzeko, Tadic.
- TWENTE (4-2-3-1): Unnerstall; Sampsted, Hilgers, Propper, Rots; Sadilek, Kjolo; Rots, Steijn, Van Wolfswinkel; Ugalde.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1
