The Matchday 8 encounter of the 2024/25 Europa League group stage between Midtjylland (Denmark) and Fenerbahce (Turkey) will take place on January 30 at the MCH Arena in Herning. Midtjylland vs. Fenerbahce: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Midtjylland
Thomas Thomasberg's side secured a 2-0 away victory over Ludogorets in the previous round. This win ended a run of three consecutive Europa League defeats and improved their standing in the group table. Additionally, it was only the second time in the group stage that the Danish club managed to score more than once. With ten points, Midtjylland climbed to 19th place and a win would guarantee them a spot in the playoffs.
Goalkeeper Elias Rafn Olafsson and forward Frankolino will miss the match due to injuries.
- Both teams scored in 8 of Midtjylland's last 11 home Europa League matches in regular time.
- The team scored exactly one or two goals in 5 of their last 6 home games in this competition.
- The Danes conceded in 17 of their last 19 home Europa League matches in regular time.
Fenerbahce
In the previous round, Jose Mourinho's side drew 0-0 with Lyon at home. As a result, Fenerbahce have failed to win in five of their last six Europa League matches (3 draws, 2 losses). Moreover, for the first time since 2018, the club failed to score in two consecutive matches in this competition. The Turkish team sits in 23rd place with nine points, and a victory over Midtjylland will secure their place in the playoffs.
Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, defenders Jayden Oosterwolde, Rodrigo Becao, and Mert Müldür, as well as midfielder Ismail Yuksek, are sidelined due to injuries. Defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, and head coach Jose Mourinho are suspended for this match.
- The team has not lost in regular time in 7 of their last 9 away Europa League matches (4 wins, 3 draws).
- Both teams scored in 5 of Fenerbahce's last 7 away games in this competition in regular time.
- The Turks scored exactly one or two goals in regular time in 8 of their last 9 away Europa League matches.
Predicted lineups for Midtjylland vs. Fenerbahce
Midtjylland (4-3-3): Jonas Lössl – Kevin Mbabu, Mads Bech Sørensen, Ousmane Diomande, Victor Bak Jensen – Erik Andersson, Denil Castillo, Oliver Sørensen – Dario Osorio, Adam Buksa, Aral Simsir.
Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1): Irfan Egri Bayat – Caglar Soyuncu, Alexander Djiku, Yusuf Akcicek, Bright Osayi-Samuel – Sofyan Amrabat, Fred – Irfan Kahveci, Sebastian Szymanski, Dusan Tadic – Youssef En-Nesyri.
The starting lineup for each team in their previous match in this tournament is listed.
Referee: Luis Godinho (Portugal)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 33;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 30;
Penalties – 25%.
Midtjylland vs. Fenerbahce: Match Prediction
At home, the Danes favor attacking football and strive to be proactive offensively. This often yields results, as Midtjylland players have failed to score in only two of their last 17 home Europa League matches. In nine of those games, they scored at least two goals. However, the team has kept a clean sheet in only 2 of their last 19 home matches in this tournament.
Fenerbahce also excels in creating chances, even in away games. In their last 14 away Europa League encounters, the team has only failed to score twice and has breached the opposition's defense at least twice in half of those matches. However, their defensive reliability is questionable, as they have conceded in 17 of their last 20 away games in this competition.
Considering the high stakes for both teams, I expect an active attacking game. My prediction: Total over 3 goals
