The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16 between Fenerbahce (Turkey) and Rangers (Scotland) will take place on March 6 at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. Fenerbahce vs. Rangers: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Fenerbahce
The Turkish side struggled to reach the Europa League playoffs, finishing 24th in the overall standings. Nevertheless, they easily overcame Anderlecht in the play-off matches, defeating the Belgians 3-0 at home and then drawing 2-2 away. As a result, Jose Mourinho's men are now unbeaten in four matches in this tournament (1 win and 3 draws). The last time the Istanbul team played in the Europa League Round of 16 was two years ago, but they did not progress further, losing to Sevilla over two legs.
- In the last nine games in this European competition, Fenerbahce has won only two (5 draws and 2 losses).
- At least two goals have been scored in the first half in 5 of their last 6 Europa League matches.
- No more than three goals have been scored in Fenerbahce's last six home games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Fenerbahce (4-4-2)
Irfan Egribayat – Bright Osayi-Samuel, Yusuf Akcicek, Milan Skriniar, Filip Kostic – Fred, Sebastian Szymanski, Dusan Tadic, Sofyan Amrabat – Edin Dzeko, Youssef En-Nesyri.
Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and midfielder Fred will miss the match due to suspension. Defenders Diego Carlos, Jaden Oosterwolde, and Rodrigo Becao are out with injuries.
Rangers
The Scottish team finished eighth in the overall standings, securing a direct place in the Europa League Round of 16. In eight matches, the club recorded 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Last season, the club also reached this stage but was stopped by Benfica (2-2 and 0-1). Interestingly, in the past six European seasons, the team has reached the Europa League Round of 16 for the fourth time, but all attempts to progress further have failed.
- Both teams have scored in Rangers' last five Europa League matches.
- In the last 14 matches in this tournament, the Scots have lost only three times (6 wins and 5 draws).
- The club has conceded in regular time in 14 of their last 16 away games in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Rangers (4-2-3-1)
Jack Butland – Jefte, Leon King, Robin Propper, James Tavernier – Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande – Cyriel Dessers, Nedim Bajrami, Vaclav Cerny – Hamza Yagaman.
At the beginning of last week, the club's coaching staff underwent changes – Barry Ferguson replaced the dismissed Philippe Clement as head coach. Additionally, defenders Neraysho Kasanwirjo and John Souttar will miss the match due to injuries.
Referee
Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez (Spain)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 15;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.5;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 19;
Penalties – 17%.
Match Prediction: Fenerbahce vs. Rangers
In this encounter, it's tough to favor one side, as both clubs have extensive experience in European competitions. Therefore, the home field advantage could be crucial. The Turks have lost only once to Athletic in their last 13 home games in the Europa League, claiming 7 wins and 5 draws. Moreover, the team rarely concedes more than one goal in home matches in this tournament.
Rangers are less threatening away from home. In their last 17 away Europa League matches, the club has won only 4 times (7 draws and 6 losses). It's unlikely that the hosts will confidently defeat the Scots, as they generally lose by a single goal margin on foreign soil. However, Fenerbahce, if not winning, usually draws against opponents from top European leagues. Therefore, my prediction is a Fenerbahce victory.
