Fenerbahce vs Nice Preview: Predictions, Team News, and Lineup Insights
Fenerbahce vs. Nice Europa League Showdown: Key Insights and Predictions
Fenerbahce Seeks Redemption in Europa League Clash Against Nice
As Fenerbahce and Nice prepare for their Europa League encounter, both teams are eager to secure their first points following disappointing starts. Fenerbahce suffered a 3-1 defeat away at Dinamo Zagreb, while Nice experienced a 2-1 loss to AS Roma at home in the opening round.
Fenerbahce: Pressure Mounts on Tedesco
Under new manager Domenico Tedesco, Fenerbahce faced scrutiny after their lackluster performance against Dinamo Zagreb. Despite the early criticism, the team bounced back with a decisive 2-0 victory over Antalyaspor, showing signs of cohesion and resilience. The fixture against Nice presents a crucial challenge as Fenerbahce aims to avoid consecutive losses in European competition for the first time since the 2001-02 Champions League campaign.
Historically, Fenerbahce has performed well at home against Nice, winning both previous encounters. This game marks their sixth meeting and the first since the 1973-74 UEFA Cup. With the pressure on, Fenerbahce must leverage their home advantage to secure a favorable result.
Nice Looking to Improve Europa League Away Record
After a strong Ligue 1 run last season, Nice began their current campaign under Franck Haise with challenges, managing only two victories in nine matches. Their recent performance included a disappointing draw against Paris FC, following an 88th-minute penalty, extending their winless streak to three games.
Nice’s Europa League away form remains a concern, having lost their last 10 away fixtures. Turning this negative trend around against Fenerbahce is imperative for Nice as they aim to avoid further setbacks.
Key Players and Team News
- Jhon Duran is back in training for Fenerbahce but may not feature in this match.
- Edson Alvarez returns from injury, while Anderson Talisca is back from suspension, adding strength to the squad.
- Sebastian Szymanski is in excellent form, with goals in his previous two European outings.
- Nice’s Hicham Boudaoui faces fitness checks after his recent injury scare, with doubts lingering over Youssouf Ndayishimiye and Mohamed Abdelmonem due to long-term injuries.
- Tanguy Ndombele remains a doubt after missing Nice’s last match.
Predicted Lineups
| Fenerbahce | Possible Starting XI |
|---|---|
| Formation | Ederson; Semedo, Oosterworlde, Skriniar, Brown; Yuksek, Asensio; Szymanski, Talisca, Akturkoglu; En-Nesyri |
| Nice | Possible Starting XI |
| Formation | Diouf; Mendy, Bombito, Oppong; Clauss, Samed, Vanhoutte, Abdi; Diop; Moffi, Cho |
Match Prediction: Fenerbahce 2-1 Nice
With Fenerbahce’s solid home performance and key players like Szymanski and Talisca in top form, they are poised to utilize their home advantage effectively. Nice’s travel woes in European competitions further tilt the balance in Fenerbahce’s favor, potentially leading to a narrow victory for the hosts.
