Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure on Tuesday evening and collect a heavyweight scalp, Feyenoord will travel to Fenerbahce for their second-leg showdown.
Fenerbahce
Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away in the Netherlands last week as they opened their Champions League qualifying campaign with a 2-1 loss against Feyenoord, the Yellow Canaries have a real uphill battle on their hands here. Eventually forced to settle for another silver medal finish among Turkey’s elite last season, there has been some suggestions that Jose Mourinho could have some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Despite signing off the 2024/25 campaign with a 2-1 victory against Konyaspor, the former Manchester United boss knows that stability is key this time around. Chasing the deficit on Tuesday evening, Fenerbahce have also shown some extended defensive issues. Including that 2-1 defeat at De Kuip last week, Mourinho’s side have failed to muster a single clean sheet from any of their previous 12 competitive appearances across all competitions.
Fenerbahce Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury, Fenerbahce will once again be without Brazilian defender Rodrigo Becao here. Appearing to have cemented his spot as Mourinho’s number one choice, Irfan Egribayat will start between the sticks in midweek.
Arriving from Al-Nassr last month, former Aston Villa marksman John Duran could make his full Fenerbahce debut on Tuesday evening. Making a permanent move from Fiorentina this summer following his initial loan spell in Istanbul, Sofyan Amrabat will start in the middle of the park.
Feyenoord
As for the visitors, while many might have been shocked back in February following Robin van Persie’s appointment, Feyenoord are certainly enjoying life under the former Manchester United striker. Laying down what was a real marker last week as they claimed a first-leg 2-1 victory at De Kuip, Tuesday’s guests will be confident of collecting a heavyweight qualifying scalp here. Getting the 2025/26 campaign underway over the weekend with a routine 2-0 win against NAC Breda, van Persie’s side have also impressed with their clinical performances in the final third. In fact, continuing on from last season, Feyenoord have registered at least a pair of goals in seven of their previous eight appearances across all competitions. Despite travelling to Istanbul pencilled in as a real underdog contender, the Dutch giants will certainly ask some real questions.
Feyenoord Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Feyenoord will once again be without the likes of Antef Tsoungui, Shiloh Zand, Thomas Beelen and former Brighton star Jakub Moder on Tuesday evening. Handed a domestic rest over the weekend, Quinten Timber will be handed a full recall in the middle of the park.
Completing a permanent switch from Championship outfit Sheffield United this summer, Anel Ahmedhodzic will start at the heart of Feyenoord’s defence and will partner Japanese international Tsuyoshi Watanabe at the heart of van Persie’s defence.
Fenerbahce vs Feyenoord Key Factors to Consider
- When Fenerbahce and Feyenoord met for their first-leg showdown last week, Tuesday’s guests collected a 2-1 victory at De Kuip.
- The Yellow Canaries have failed to muster a single clean sheet from any of their previous 12 competitive appearances across all competitions.
- Feyenoord have registered at least a pair of goals in seven of their last eight matchups across all formats.
- Five of Fenerbahce’s last six showdowns in Istanbul have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Feyenoord registered 12 points from their final five Eredivisie appearances away from De Kuip last season.
Conclusion
Claiming what could prove to be an essential 2-1 victory when they welcomed Fenerbahce to De Kuip last week, Feyenoord are 90 minutes away from collecting a heavyweight qualifying scalp. Clearly enjoying life under van Persie’s guidance, the Rotterdam-based outfit have also gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. However, it should be noted, with the Yellow Canaries seeing six of their last seven matchups in Istanbul finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome on Tuesday evening.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
