Feyenoord vs Fenerbahce preview

December 7, 2016
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

(Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

With Manchester United widely expected to secure their progress by defeating Zorya Lugansk, Feyenoord and Fenerbahce will be vying for the second place in the knockout stages.

With the Turkish giants three points in front and boasting superior head to head record, the Dutch side will have to win by at least two goals to qualify.

Feyenoord are enjoying one of the most successful seasons in recent years, and they currently lead the chase in the league championship.

After 15 matches, the De Kuip outfit are level on points with second placed Ajax, while third-place PSV Eindhoven is six points behind.

Even though the league campaign has the priority, Feyenoord also want to do well in Europa League, but the 4-0 defeat to Man Utd seriously damaged their chances of reaching the next stage.

Giovanni van Bronchorst’s side now need to see off Fenerbahce in their final group game and they can be backed at 2.20 (6/5) to succeed in their quest.

There have been no fresh injury worries for the talented tactician, but important defender Sven van Beek continues to miss out. Terence Kongolo and Keneth Vermeer are sidelined as well.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Jones – Karsdorp, Boteghin, van der Heijden, Nelom – El Ahmadi, Kuijt, Vilhena – Toornstra, Jorgensen, Elia.

Fenerbahce head into the final group fixture from the first position, but that does not mean they have secured their place in the next stage.

The Turkish giants did well to seriously improve their qualifying chances with back to back wins over Manchester United and Zorya, but they cannot afford to relax just yet.

Fenerbahce have been in pretty good form of late, winning seven straight matches in all competitions, but their impressive run recently came to an end.

After the Cup defeat to Genclerbirligi was followed by goalless draw against Besiktas, the Canaries will have to show improvement at De Kuip.

Jeremain Lens returned into action in the 0-0 draw with Besiktas and he is pushing for a starting berth, whereas Volan Sen should be recalled.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Demirel – Ozbayrakli, Kjaer, Skrtel, Kaldirim – Topal, Souza – Sow, Potuk, Volkan Sen – Van Persie.

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