A 4-2 aggregate victory over Red Bull Salzburg saw Fenerbahce set up a clash with Arsenal in the Champions League play-offs, with both sides going into the first leg on the back of weekend’s defeats.

Even with the Turkish giants reaching Europa League semi-finals and achieving a second-place finish in the league, coach Aykut Kocaman was sacked from the post as the club chiefs were not prepared to tolerate his defence-minded tactics any more.

He was replaced by Ersun Yanal, who has a completely different approach and often instructs his side to attack without worrying about their own goal.

Such an approach has helped Fenerbahce defeat very good Red Bull Salzburg side in the third qualifying round, but also saw them lose the Turkish Super Cup match to Galatasaray.

Weekend’s defeat to Konyaspor was especially disappointing given that the Canaries had squandered a two-goal lead.

Despite being low on spirits, the hosts are expected to attack their more illustrious opponents from the off, with Ladbrokes paying 1.65 (13/20) on both teams to score.

Gokhan Gonul and Erten Ersu continue to miss out, but new signing Emmanuel Emenike is expected to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Demirel – Topuz, Alves, Yobo, Kaldirim – Meireles, Topal, Emre – Kuyt, Emenike, Sow.

After narrowly winning the race for a top 4 finish, Arsenal were expected to spend heavily in an attempt to close the gap behind title contenders, but they have instead failed to spend a penny on new signings.

Yaya Sanogo was the only high-profile arrival, while Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh were offloaded this summer.

Even so, Arsenal looked good at the start of their opening fixture against Aston Villa, but they ended up losing 3-1 having squandered a one-goal lead.

Numerous injuries the players picked up in that clash could prove even more costly ahead of the all-important match with Fenerbahce.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs have been ruled out, with Mikel Arteta, Nacho Monreal and Thomas Vermaelen also sidelined.

Meanwhile, Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshire have all picked up knocks that make them doubtful for the trip to Istanbul.

In spite of all their problems, Arsenal remain 2.70 (17/10) favourites with Coral to triumph at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Szczesny – Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Sagna – Rosicky, Ramsey, Wilshire – Walcott, Giroud, Cazorla.

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