Anderlecht vs. Fenerbahce Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 20 February 2025

It’s the round of 16 in the Europa League, and Anderlecht will be looking to turn the tide against Fenerbahce after a heavy 3-0 defeat in the first leg. The match will take place at Lotto Park at 20:00, with the weather forecast predicting cold and overcast conditions, with a temperature of 4°C.

Anderlecht’s recent form has been mixed, with Jan Michaelsen’s squad notching up two wins in their last five games, including a crucial league victory over Royal Antwerp. However, the home side faces a significant challenge against Mourinho’s well-drilled Fenerbahce squad, who have maintained impeccable form with five consecutive wins, scoring an impressive average of 3.20 goals per game.

Sebastian Szymański, who provided an assist in the first leg, will look to continue his excellent form. Despite facing injury setbacks, Fenerbahce are the favorites, but a draw remains a recommended bet with odds of 3.9.

With Anderlecht conceding an average of 1.4 goals this season, their defense will need to be rock-solid to overcome the 3-goal deficit. Hopes for an upset rest on their home advantage and the recent morale boost from league victories.

The match promises to be a riveting encounter, with critical implications for Anderlecht’s European campaign.

Anderlecht vs. Fenerbahce Prediction & Betting Tip

Given the match facts and tips, our recommended betting tip for the upcoming clash is a “Draw.”

This prediction is based on several factors:

• Fenerbahce’s experienced squad gives them a slight edge, but Anderlecht’s home advantage could level the playing field.
• Despite a 3-goal deficit from the first leg, Anderlecht has shown improved form with two consecutive league wins after a coaching change.
• Both teams tend to perform well in home matches, and Anderlecht will be fighting hard to salvage their European campaign.

This match promises to be a tightly contested encounter, making a draw a sensible betting tip.

Anderlecht vs. Fenerbahce Odds

When it comes to the odds for this Europa League clash, the bookmakers have slightly favored Fenerbahce to secure a victory. However, considering the factors on the ground, Anderlecht has the potential to make things interesting, especially playing at home.

Fenerbahce’s recent dominant form and experience under Jose Mourinho make them slight favorites.
Nonetheless, Anderlecht, buoyed by home support, can still hold their own, thus making the draw an appealing option for some punters.

Anderlecht Team Analysis

Anderlecht Recent Performance WLWDL

Recent Form: WLWDL

Anderlecht’s recent form has been a mixed bag. They have won two, lost two, and drawn one in their last five outings. They secured clean sheets in two of these matches.

On average, they have scored just 1.00 goal per game in their last five matches, which indicates a struggle in the offensive department. This might be a point of concern for coach Jan Michaelsen.

However, their recent victory against Sporting Charleroi shows their potential for resilience.

Anderlecht Key Players

Key players for Anderlecht in this crucial Europa League clash include:

• Colin Coosemans in goal, who will need to be at his best to keep Fenerbahce’s potent attack at bay.
• Ludwig Augustinsson and Lucas Hey anchoring the defense. They face a tough task against Youssef En-Nesyri, Fenerbahce’s top scorer.
• Leander Dendoncker, an experienced midfielder, will look to dominate the central areas and create chances for the forwards.
• César Huerta and Luis Vázquez in attack will need to break through a solid Fenerbahce defense led by Milan Skriniar.

Expected lineup for Anderlecht:

• Goalkeeper: Colin Coosemans
• Defenders: Killian Sardella, Lucas Hey, Adryelson, Ludwig Augustinsson
• Midfielders: Tristan Degreef, Leander Dendoncker, Theo Leoni
• Forwards: César Huerta, Luis Vázquez, Mario Stroeykens

Anderlecht Suspensions & Injuries

Anderlecht will have to cope with a couple of notable injuries for this crucial Europa League clash. Fortunately, there are no suspensions affecting the team.
Injuries:

These injuries could significantly impact Anderlecht’s performance. The absence of Kasper Dolberg, a key forward, will be particularly concerning for Coach Jan Michaelsen, as it limits their attacking options. Majeed Ashimeru’s doubtful status adds uncertainty to their midfield stability.

Anderlecht will need their available players to step up and fill these gaps if they are to overturn their first-leg deficit.

Anderlecht Tactics and Formation

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Expected Line-Up:
• Goalkeeper: Colin Coosemans
• Fullbacks: Killian Sardella (RB), Ludwig Augustinsson (LB)
• Centre-Backs: Lucas Hey, Adryelson
• Midfield Trio: Tristan Degreef, Leander Dendoncker, Theo Leoni
• Attackers: César Huerta (RF), Luis Vázquez (CF), Mario Stroeykens (LF)
  Tactical Breakdown:
• Midfield Stability: Despite Majeed Ashimeru’s absence, Anderlecht will rely on Leander Dendoncker to maintain stability in the middle.
• Defensive Resilience: With two clean sheets in their last five games, the defenders have shown they can hold firm.
• Focus on Penetration: Expect César Huerta to exploit spaces down the right, creating opportunities for center forward Luis Vázquez.
• Set-Piece Threat: The presence of Ludwig Augustinsson and Thorgan Hazard could offer a potent advantage during set-pieces.
• Adaptability: Coach Jan Michaelsen might adjust the formation slightly based on Fenerbahce’s attacking patterns, ensuring a balanced approach.

Fenerbahce Team Analysis

Fenerbahce Recent Performance WWWWW

Recent Form: The Turkish side is in stellar form, convincingly winning their last five matches.

Their dominant performances include a 3-0 victory against Anderlecht in the first leg. Fenerbahce has scored an impressive average of 3.2 goals in their last five matches and kept three clean sheets, demonstrating a solid defensive setup. Their consistency away from home, scoring in 100% of their away matches this season, makes them formidable opponents at Lotto Park. Their experienced squad, guided by Jose Mourinho, looks set to continue their winning streak.

Fenerbahce Key Players

Expected lineup for Fenerbahce:

• Goalkeeper: Irfan Can Egribayat
• Defenders: Mert Müldür, Milan Skriniar, Yusuf Akcicek
• Midfielders: Allan Saint-Maximin, Sofyan Amrabat, Fred, Filip Kostic, Sebastian Szymański
• Forwards: Dusan Tadic, Youssef En-Nesyri

Youssef En-Nesyri has been a standout performer, leading Fenerbahce with 5 goals in the Europa League so far. His battle against Anderlecht’s defenders like Lucas Hey will be critical. The midfield pairing of Amrabat and Fred provides both defensive solidity and creative spark, making it a key area for dominance. Dusan Tadic, another experienced player, will look to exploit any space, adding to the dynamic attacking threat of the Turkish side.

Fenerbahce Suspensions & Injuries

Fenerbahce will miss key players due to injuries, impacting their squad depth and rotational options. With Jayden Oosterwolde and Rodrigo Becão out for the season, their defense will lack some stability. Dominik Livakovic’s thigh injury also means they’ll rely on backup goalkeepers. Çağlar Söyüncü’s possible late February return could boost their defensive line. This could influence their game strategy, with a likely conservative approach to preserve their squad.

Fenerbahce Tactics and Formation

Fenerbahce’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-1-2

Fenerbahce, managed by the experienced Jose Mourinho, have opted for a 3-4-1-2 formation. This setup provides a balanced approach, combining solid defensive cover with dynamic attacking options.

• Key Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri, Dusan Tadic
  • En-Nesyri has been prolific, particularly in the Europa League, scoring 5 goals this season.
  • Tadic acts as a creative force, often dropping back to link up play.
• Midfield Engine:
  • Fred and Sofyan Amrabat are expected to control the central areas.
  • Wide play will be crucial, with Allan Saint-Maximin and Sebastian Szymański providing width and pace.
• Defensive Solidity:
  • Milan Skriniar, anchored by Yusuf Akcicek and Mert Müldür, leads a defense that has kept three clean sheets in their last five games.

Fenerbahce’s game plan likely includes absorbing pressure and hitting Anderlecht on the counter, exploiting the pace of their wide players and the clinical finishing of their forwards.

Anderlecht vs. Fenerbahce Head-to-Head Statistics

Examining their last five meetings, it’s evident that Fenerbahce has had the upper hand in this fixture. Here’s a closer look at their head-to-head record:

These results highlight Fenerbahce’s dominance, especially in their home matches, where they have consistently managed to find the back of the net and keep clean sheets. Anderlecht will be looking to overturn this trend with a b performance in front of their home crowd at Lotto Park.

Venue and Weather

Lotto Park, the venue for this Europa League clash, offers a capacity of around 21,500 fans and is known for its vibrant atmosphere.
On match day, the weather forecast includes overcast clouds with temperatures around 4°C. The wind speed is minimal at 1.58 m/s, and humidity is high at 90%.
These conditions may lead to a slower-paced game, as the overcast weather and low temperatures could affect ball movement and player stamina.
Both teams might focus on maintaining possession and avoiding unnecessary risks. Anderlecht, in particular, might adopt a defensive strategy, hoping to leverage their home advantage and the familiarity of playing under such conditions.