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Kick off: 22.10.2015 @21:05
Venue: Sucru Saracoglu Stadium
Head to head record
No past meetings
Fenerbahce vs Ajax prediction
Two teams which started their European campaigns in the EUFA Champions League are winless after two rounds of Europa League group stage and will look to kick-start their respective seasons in this year’s edition of the competition.
Fenerbahce’s last chance
Turkish side are aware the upcoming game is their last chance of staying in hunt for a place in the knockout stages of Europa League. Fenerbahce are sitting at the bottom of group A with only one point they earned away at Celtic in a 2-2 draw. Their last Europa League game was a 3-1 home loss to Molde, and Turkish club are well aware of the importance of the game against Ajax. Vitor Pereira’s team is having a much better season in their domestic league, as they are placed third in the Turkish Super Lig with 17 points after eight rounds. Fenerbahce recorded a 1-0 win away at Kayserispor thanks to a goal from Robin van Persie, who has been under the spotlight in recent weeks. Dutch international is reportedly unhappy with his current status is the team and is rumoured to leave in January with Barcelona being touted to lure the experienced striker away from Turkey. Apart from Robin van Persie, there are suggestions that another player will leave in winter transfer window. Liverpool loanee Lazar Markovic will reportedly be recalled by Jurgen Klopp and his possible return to England would be a huge blow to Vitor Pereira’s team.
Fenerbahce manager will be without Volkan Sen who is a confirmed absentee for the upcoming event. The hosts could also be without Nani who is a major doubt along with Bruno Alves. Meirelles is also out for the fixture.
Will Fischer step up once again?
After their elimination from Champions League, Ajax have opened their Europa League account with two draws, 2-2 at home against Celtic and 1-1 away at Molde. Dutch giants are also faced with a tough task in their attempt to go through the group stage and the following two games against the Turkish opposition will be crucial. Situation is much better in Eredivisie where De Godenzonen are currently top of the league. However, Frank De Boer’s men have lost a derby game against PSV, 2-1 at home, but did manage to bounce back with a 2-0 away win at Heracles. Ajax manager hopes his striker Viktor Fischer will continue his fine form and add more goals to his tally of two in Europa League so far. Ajax have a positive record against Turkish teams, as they have managed to win all of their eight matches, scoring 21 goals and conceding just two. It is worth mentioning that Ajax have scored at least one goals in each of their last eight matches across all competitions, and they will need to repeat the goalscoring exploits if they want to increase their chances of going through to the elimination round.
De Boer could be without his first-choice goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen who picked up an injury during international duty. Arkadiusz Milik has also returned from his international duty injured and will be unavailable for the trip to Turkey.
Fenerbahce vs Ajax betting tip
Both rivals are looking to record their first win of the competition and will go firing from the kick off. We are in for a game between an unconvincing defence and a team which knows how to score, so I expect to see goals in both team’s nets.
Tip: Both teams to score
Odds: 1.67 (4/6) @Ladbrokes
