Fenerbahce vs Lyon Prediction - Europa League Fixtures
Get ready for an electrifying Europa League clash as Fenerbahce hosts Lyon at the Ulker Stadyumu Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi on 23 January 2025 at 17:45. This match holds significant importance for both teams, particularly Lyon, whose coach Pierre Sage is under immense pressure following a series of lacklustre performances. Lyon’s management is even in talks with Paulo Fonseca, highlighting the urgency for a turnaround.
Currently sitting 21st in the league with 8 points, Fenerbahce is in good form, having won four of their last five matches. In contrast, Lyon is positioned 4th with 13 points but has had a mixed run of results recently.
The weather forecast indicates overcast clouds with a temperature of 4°C, which might be challenging for both teams. The home side, led by Jose Mourinho, is slightly favored by bookmakers with odds at 2.12. Our recommended bet is Lyon +1.00 in the Asian Handicap, given their potential performance under pressure.
Fenerbahce vs. Lyon Prediction & Betting Tip
| Fenerbahce vs. Lyon Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Lyon +1.00 (Asian Handicap) | 1.4 |
Why this betting tip is good:
- Lyon’s resilience: Despite recent mixed performances, Lyon have the potential to perform well under pressure.
- Fenerbahce’s form: Fenerbahce are the bookmaker’s favourites and are in good form, but Lyon’s capabilities make the handicap a safer bet.
- Match facts: Both teams have recent defensive vulnerabilities, making the +1 handicap for Lyon highly attractive.
Fenerbahce vs Lyon Odds
| Fenerbahce vs. Lyon Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Fenerbahce | 2.12 |
| Draw | 3.66 |
| Lyon | 3.16 |
Fenerbahce heads into this Europa League clash as the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 2.12 for a win. The draw is priced at 3.66, indicating a relatively balanced contest. Lyon is seen as the underdog, with odds of 3.16, but their potential to surprise should not be underestimated. Given Lyon’s recent management turmoil and mixed form, the +1 handicap on them looks quite tempting for punters seeking a safer bet.
Fenerbahce Team Analysis
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Adana Demirspor | Fenerbahce | 0-4 (Win) |
| Konyaspor | Fenerbahce | 2-3 (Win) |
| Kasimpasa | Fenerbahce | 0-3 (Win) |
| Fenerbahce | Hatayspor | 2-1 (Win) |
| Eyupspor | Fenerbahce | 1-1 (Draw) |
Fenerbahce has been in blazing form, storming through their last five games undefeated (WWWWD). They’ve managed to score an impressive average of 2.60 goals per game and kept 2 clean sheets. Their defense has shown resilience by conceding few goals, while their attack, led by Youssef En-Nesyri, has been relentless. With 8 points on the table, they’ll be looking to carry this momentum forward. Their home advantage at the Ulker Stadyumu could prove decisive as they face Lyon.
Fenerbahce Key Players
Fenerbahce’s key players have been central to their impressive run of form. Youssef En-Nesyri, their top scorer with 3 goals, has been a driving force in attack. He will look to challenge Lyon’s defense, especially in the absence of Nicolas Tagliafico.
In the midfield, Sebastián Szymański will be crucial in orchestrating play and partnering with the experienced Fred to control the tempo.
Defensively, Çağlar Söyüncü and Alexander Djiku will be essential in keeping Lyon’s attack at bay. Key individual battles to watch include En-Nesyri against Lyon’s Moussa Niakhaté and Duje Ćaleta-Car.
Expected lineup for Fenerbahce:
- Goalkeeper: Irfan Can Egribayat
- Defenders: Samet Akaydin, Çağlar Söyüncü, Alexander Djiku
- Midfielders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fred, Sebastián Szymański, Allan Saint-Maximin
- Attacking Midfielder: Dusan Tadic
- Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri, Edin Dzeko
Fenerbahçe Suspensions & Injuries
Fenerbahçe is contending with several significant injuries and a suspension, which could impact their performance. Injuries:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Jayden Oosterwolde | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Rodrigo Becão | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Diego Carlos | Foot injury | Early February 2025 |
| Dominik Livaković | Thigh injury | Mid February 2025 |
Suspensions:
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Mert Müldür | Yellow/red card | 1 match left |
The absence of these players, particularly the defenders, could weaken their backline and force adjustments in their defensive strategy. Jose Mourinho will need to rely on the depth of his squad to navigate this challenging period.
Fenerbahce Tactics and Formation
Fenerbahce Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri, Edin Dzeko
- Midfield Trio: Fred, Sebastian Szymański, Dusan Tadic
- Defensive Structure: Samet Akaydin, Çağlar Söyüncü, Alexander Djiku, Bright Osayi-Samuel
Fenerbahce, under Jose Mourinho, typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a balanced approach that leverages both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. With the team averaging 2.60 goals per game in their last five fixtures, the emphasis is on swift transitions and exploiting the opposition during the 61-75 minute interval, where they have been particularly lethal.
Despite the absence of key defenders, Mourinho’s side remains tactically disciplined, relying heavily on the experience of players like Dusan Tadic to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities. Key to their strategy will be maintaining high defensive resilience, especially given the injuries and suspensions in their backline.
Lyon Team Analysis
Lyon’s recent form has been a mixed bag, highlighted by two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches. Their performances include a goalless draw and some disappointing results, including a penalty shoot-out loss.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Lyon | Toulouse | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Bourgoin Jallieu | Lyon | 2-2 (Penalties loss) |
| Brest | Lyon | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Lyon | Montpellier | 1-0 (Win) |
| Feignies Aulnoye | Lyon | 1-2 (Win) |
Lyon has scored an average of 1.60 goals per game and kept 2 clean sheets in their last 5 matches. Recent form (DLLWW) indicates some instability, particularly in defensive areas, but they remain dangerous with players like Malick Fofana leading the charge.
Lyon Key Players
Lyon will be looking to their key players to make a significant impact in this crucial Europa League fixture against Fenerbahce. Expected lineup for Lyon:
- Goalkeeper: Lucas Perri
- Defenders: Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Moussa Niakhate, Duje Caleta-Car, Abner Vinicius
- Midfielders: Jordan Veretout, Nemanja Matic, Corentin Tolisso
- Attackers: Rayan Cherki, Georges Mikautadze, Saïd Benrahma
Top scorer Malick Fofana, with 4 goals, will be critical to Lyon’s attack. In midfield, the experienced Nemanja Matic will be pivotal in controlling play and breaking up Fenerbahce’s advances. Defensive solidity will come from Moussa Niakhate, who will face a stern test against Fenerbahce’s prolific forwards, Youssef En-Nesyri and Edin Dzeko.
Individual battles such as Niakhate vs. En-Nesyri will be key to watch, and Lyon’s ability to withstand pressure in the final 15 minutes will be crucial, given their vulnerability during this period.
Lyon Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandre Lacazette | Muscle injury | About 1-2 weeks |
| Nicolas Tagliafico | Yellow cards | 1 match left |
Lyon will miss Alexandre Lacazette due to a muscle injury, expected to sideline him for 1-2 weeks. His absence could limit their attacking options, as Lacazette is known for his experience and goal-scoring ability.
Additionally, Nicolas Tagliafico is suspended for this match, having accumulated yellow cards. His absence in defense will compel Lyon to adjust their backline, potentially impacting their defensive solidity at a crucial stage in the Europa League.
Lyon Tactics and Formation
Lyon’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Georges Mikautadze
- Midfield Trio: Jordan Veretout, Nemanja Matic, Corentin Tolisso
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Lyon tends to concede most of their goals in the 76-90-minute interval.
In this crucial Europa League match, Lyon will adapt their formation to a 4-3-3 setup. Georges Mikautadze will lead the attack, flanked by Rayan Cherki and Saïd Benrahma. The midfield trio of Veretout, Matic, and Tolisso will act as the engine room, aiming to dominate ball possession and transitional play. Defensively, Lyon will look to tighten up in the absence of Nicolas Tagliafico, who is suspended. The backline will feature Maitland-Niles, Niakhate, Caleta-Car, and Abner Vinicius, with Lucas Perri in goal. Manager Pierre Sage will focus on mitigating late-game concessions, a known weak spot for the team.
