Fenerbahce faces Lyon in crucial Europa League clash

Irfan Can Kahveci (17) of Fenerbahce celebrates after scoring, before his goal was disallowed following a VAR review during the Turkish Super Lig week 20 football match between Adana Demirspor and Fenerbahce, in Adana, Türkiye, January 19, 2025. (AA Photo)

Fenerbahce is poised to face French giants Olympique Lyon in a pivotal UEFA Europa League match at the Ulker Stadium on Thursday, 8:45 p.m. (local time). With a place in the playoffs on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a victory.

Injuries, suspensions hamper Fenerbahce

The Turkish side will be without several key players because of injuries and suspensions. Defenders Jayden Oosterwolde, Rodrigo Becao, and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic are all sidelined. Additionally, midfielder Mert Muldur will miss the match because of a red card in a previous game.

Furthermore, the UEFA squad did not include players Filip Kostic, Levent Mercan Oguz Aydin and Bartug Elmaz.

Edin Dzeko (9) of Fenerbahce gestures after a position during the Turkish Super Lig week 15th football match between Besiktas and Fenerbahce at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye on Dec. 7, 2024. (AA Photo)

Yellow card concerns

Several Fenerbahce players are walking a tightrope with yellow cards. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ismail Yüksek, Sofyan Amrabat, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Edin Dzeko could miss the next match if they receive a booking.

Players of Fenerbahce greet their fans as they celebrate their victory at the end of the Turkish Super Lig week 20 football match between Adana Demirspor and Fenerbahce, in Adana, Turkiye on Jan. 19, 2025. (AA Photo)

Expected lineups

Fenerbahce: Irfan Can, Yusuf, Caglar, Djiku, Osayi, Amrabat, Fred, Szymanski, Tadic, Dzeko, En-Nesyri.
Olympique Lyon: Perri, Mata, Caleta, Niakhate, Abner, Matic, Veretout, Tolisso, Fofana, Cherki, Lacazette.

Players of Fenerbahce look dejected as players of Lille celebrate their win at the end of the match, securing their place in the next stage of the competition after the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round second-leg match between Fenerbahce and Lille at Ulker Stadium in Istanbul, Turkiye on August 13, 2024. (AA Photo)

Match Preview

Head-to-head: Fenerbahce has a poor record against Lyon, having lost all 4 previous encounters.
Home advantage: Fenerbahce is unbeaten in their last 5 home matches against French teams in European competitions.
Key players: Edin Dzeko is Fenerbahce's top scorer in the Europa League this season, while Alexandre Lacazette is looking to break Lyon's all-time European goal-scoring record.

January 23, 2025 03:31 PM GMT+03:00