The first Europa League 2025/26 play-off tie between Fenerbahce (Turkey) and Nottingham Forest (England) will take place on 19 February at Chobani Stadyumu FB Sukru Saracoglu Spor Kompleksi in Istanbul. Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Fenerbahce
The Turkish side had all but guaranteed their place in the Europa League play-offs after matchday six. As a result, they played the final two group-stage fixtures without pushing themselves, which led to the Istanbul club first losing at home to Aston Villa (0:1) and then drawing away with FCSB (1:1). It is also worth highlighting Fenerbahce's defence, which have not conceded more than one goal in their previous seven matches in this competition. We should also add that last season the club also reached the Europa League play-offs and comfortably dealt with Anderlecht (3:0 and 2:2).
- No more than two goals were scored in five of the Turkish side's last six matches in this tournament.
- Fenerbahce have avoided defeat in six of their last seven Europa League games (three wins and three draws).
- The Istanbul club scored no more than one goal in seven of their last nine home matches in this competition.
Potential Fenerbahce Lineup (4-3-3)*
Ederson - Mert Mulldur, Milan Skriniar, Jayden Oosterwolde, Nelson Semedo - Ismail Yuksek, N'Golo Kante, Matteo Guendouzi - Kerem Akturkoglu, Talisca, Marco Asensio.
Defenders Archie Brown and Munir Levent are out injured.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest had not played in European competition for 30 years. However, their long-awaited return to the Europa League immediately ended with a place in the knockouts. The English side had a chance to finish in the top eight, but on matchday seven they lost away to Braga (0:1). In fact, Nottingham Forest have suffered only two defeats in this European campaign. We should also note an interesting fact - the club became the first in Premier League history to have four head coaches during the same season. Following the dismissal of Sean Dyche, Vitor Pereira took charge.
- The club have avoided defeat in five of their last six matches in this competition (four wins and one draw).
- At least one of the two teams failed to score in five of Nottingham Forest's last six Europa League matches.
- Nottingham Forest did not concede in the first half in their previous six matches in this tournament.
Potential Nottingham Forest Lineup (4-4-2)*
Stefan Ortega - Ola Aina, Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic, Felipe Morato - Elliott Anderson, Ibrahim Sangare - Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Omari Hutchinson - Lucca Lorenzo.
The visitors' injury list includes forward Chris Wood, defenders Nicola Savona and Willy Boly, and goalkeepers Matz Sels and John Victor.
Referee
Sandro Scharer (Switzerland)
Matches - 5 (international fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second bookings) - 17;
Yellow cards per match on average - 3.4;
Red cards shown - 0;
Fouls per match on average - 20;
Penalties - 40%.
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest: Match Prediction
It is unlikely that the coaching upheaval will do Nottingham Forest any favours. At the very least, they are certain to have problems in the first leg of this play-off tie. Vitor Pereira needs time to get his demands across to the players. The visitors have also been unconvincing on the road - in four Europa League away games they have beaten only Utrecht (two draws and one defeat). It is also worth noting that Nottingham Forest have played 19 away matches at official level this season and have managed just five wins (five draws and nine defeats).
The Istanbul club, meanwhile, get results largely thanks to the backing of their home support. In their last 18 home Europa League matches, the Turkish side have suffered only three defeats (nine wins and six draws). In official matches overall, Fenerbahce have only two home losses in their previous 21 games (14 wins and five draws). Therefore, we believe that in the first leg at least, the home team will either win or avoid defeat.
Prediction: Fenerbahce Draw No Bet
* For each team, the starting XI is from their previous match.
