Thursday 8th December 2016 Kickoff: 1800hrs
Feyenoord v Fenerbahce
Football – Europe – Europa League
Just as the Champions League group stage comes to an end, the same applies to European football’s lesser competition with plenty to be sorted out in the Europa League. One of the most interesting encounters takes place in the Netherlands with Feyenoord needing to win to have any chance of qualifying whilst Fenerbahce will be hoping to get a point to guarantee they finish top of the group ahead of tomorrow’s opponents or Manchester United.
The group stage could not have started better for the Dutch club as they scored late on to clinch a narrow win over the section favourites Manchester United at home. It appeared to set them up for a real chance of making the knockout stage but they have managed only one more victory in Europe since then. That win came against Ukrainian outfit Zorya, whom they also managed to draw with on their travels. The two most damaging games, however, were a solitary goal defeat away to Fener and and resounding 4-0 loss away to United last time out. That loss leaves them up against it with Jose Mourinho’s men needing just a point to secure their passage to the next round, but Feyenoord can only worry about themselves and will be going all out for the win.
Fener know they will be playing European football no matter what the outcome of this game is but they will be wanting to top the group and – theoretically – bring ensure an easier game in the last 32. We know it does not always work out that way but that will be the aim as well as looking to continue their positive form in the section. They have won all three of their home games in this competition and managed to pick up a point in the Ukraine, too, on match day one. Their only reverse was a heavy defeat at Old Trafford but they remain on course to finish ahead of that particular team should results go their way on Thursday. They are also the only team to have scored in all five of their group games to date which will ensure they carry a threat against a team likely to force the issue as they bid for a crucial three points.
Feyenoord v Fenerbahce Betting Tips
This should be a decent game all in considering what’s a stake for both teams and also because Feyenoord and Fenerbahce have been going great guns in their respective domestic leagues. The Dutch team have topped the Eredivise for the majority of the season whilst Fener have won five of their last six in the Turkish top flight, with their last domestic defeat coming at the star of December. That will hopefully lead to a game that contains plenty of quality and a few goals. The home team have nothing to lose so I expect them to start at a fast pace and take the game to their opponents. Fener have been in fine scoring form of late, though, and will offer plenty on the break. The group has not been one for many goals but the nature of this game, and because it is the last one in the section, will likely free some more space which both teams can take advantage of.
Both teams to score 5/6 @ Bwin
