Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao: betting odds December 11, 2024

Matchday 6 of the 2024/25 Europa League group stage between Fenerbahce (Turkey) and Athletic (Spain) will take place on December 11 at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. Fenerbahce vs. Athletic: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Referee: Irfan Peljto (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Matches – 14 (International matches, 2023/24–2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 50;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;

Red cards shown – 4;

Average fouls per match – 21;

Penalties – 43%.

Predicted lineups for Fenerbahce vs. Athletic

Fenerbahce (4-3-3): Dominik Livakovic – Bright Osayi-Samuel, Rodrigo Becao, Alexander Djiku, Mert Muldur – Fred, Ismail Yuksek, Sebastian Szymanski – Allan Saint-Maximin, Edin Dzeko, Dusan Tadic.

Athletic (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon – Andoni Gorosabel, Adama Boiro, Aitor Paredes, Dani Vivian – Benat Prados, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams – Gorka Guruzeta.

Each team's starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is listed.

Fenerbahce

The Turkish side had not won in three consecutive matches in this European competition. During this period, the club drew with Twente and Manchester United (both 1-1) and suffered a 1-3 away defeat to AZ Alkmaar. In the last round, Fenerbahce ended this streak by securing their second win in the Europa League group stage, defeating Sparta Prague 2-1 away. The Istanbul team climbed to 15th place, with only a two-point gap from the top 8.

Midfielder Fred will miss the match due to suspension.

• The club has not lost in 16 of their last 18 matches in this European competition (10 wins and 6 draws).
• Both teams scored in Fenerbahce's last five Europa League matches.
• The number "1" appeared in the final score of Fenerbahce's last six matches in this tournament.

Athletic

The Basque side is second in the Europa League group stage standings, with 13 points after five rounds. Lazio and Eintracht have the same number of points. Athletic started with a 1-1 away draw against Roma and then won four consecutive matches in this tournament. In the last round, Athletic secured their first major victory in the main stage of the 2024/25 Europa League, defeating Elfsborg 3-0 at home. Notably, the Spanish team, along with leaders Lazio, boasts the best defense in this European competition, conceding only two goals.

• At least two goals were scored in 10 of Athletic's last 11 matches in this tournament.
• Athletic has not lost in 10 of their last 13 Europa League matches (8 wins and 2 draws).
• The number "1" appeared in the final score of 7 of Athletic's last 9 Europa League matches.

Fenerbahce vs. Athletic: Match Prediction

Both teams have excellent chances to continue their Europa League campaign in the playoffs. The Spanish side has a slight edge, having not lost in this tournament, and can afford a draw in the upcoming match, which would keep them in the top eight. The hosts have more tournament motivation, as they will undoubtedly take the initiative, attack more, and aim to collect three points to move into the top 8.

It's challenging to give preference to either side, as both clubs are in good form. Therefore, I believe the opponents will exchange goals in the upcoming match. The Turkish side has a 10-match unbeaten streak at home in this tournament and has scored in all these encounters, netting at least twice in seven of them. Athletic has not lost in 8 of their last 9 away matches in the Europa League and has a 6-match scoring streak in away games in this European competition.

My prediction: Both teams to score – yes