Fenerbahce vs Benfica preview

April 24, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Fener vs LazioFenerbahce were unlucky to be pitted against the main candidates for the title, but having done so well to eliminate Lazio in the quarter-finals, the Turks will fancy their chances against Benfica.

The Eagles eased off to the Europa League semi-finals and they now aim to prove why they are considered the strongest side left in the competition.

Fenerbahce haven’t enjoyed too much European success of late, which is why the team relished the opportunity to prove their worth in this year’s Europa League.

Aykut Kocaman’s side not only won their group, but eliminated BATE Borisov, Viktoria Plzen and Lazio to earn a semi-final berth.

While rock-solid defence was never their main feature, the team have been showing a massive improvement at the back of late, allowing just two goals in last six matches.

If they are to achieve a good result ahead of the return leg against Benfica, Fener need to keep another clean sheet, and they are 3.50 (5/2) with Betfred not to concede in this match.

On the other hand, the Turks are as much as 3.00 (2/1) at bet365 to make it to the final, which is enough to suggest they are not really the favourites to go through.

Caner Erkin misses out through suspension, but boss Aykut Kocaman has no other selection worries at the moment.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Demirel – Gonul, Yobo, Korkmaz, Ziegler – Meireles, Topal, Cristian – Kuyt, Webo, Sow.

Benfica are on the road to make this one of the most successful seasons in club’s recent history, with Jorge Jesus’ side doing excellent on all fronts.

The Eagles are closing in on the first league title since 2010, while Taca de Portugal title is already in the bag seeing they face weak Vitoria Guimaraes in the final.

Meanwhile, the team continue to impress in Europa League, where they are rightly considered the main candidates for the trophy.

Benfica go into the match on the back of a derby win over Sporting, but they have faced some problems during their preparations for this game.

Captain Luisao misses out through injury, while both Enzo Perez and Andre Almeida are banned after picking up yellow cards at St James’ Park.

Nevertheless, Paddy Power sees Benfica as 2.50 (3/2) favourites to win at Sukru Saracoglu and thus make a giant step towards the final.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Artur – Pereira, Garay, Jardel, Melgarejo – Gomes, Matic – Salvio, Gaitan, John – Lima.

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