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 group stage. However, they comfortably defeated Anderlecht in the knockout play-offs, winning 3-0 at home and drawing 2-2 away. As a result, Jose Mourinho's team is now unbeaten in four matches in this tournament (1 win and 3 draws). The last time the Istanbul club reached the Europa League Round of 16 was two years ago, but they were eliminated by Sevilla over two legs.
- In their last nine games in this European competition, Fenerbahce has only managed two victories (5 draws and 2 losses).
- At least two goals were scored in the first half of 5 of Fenerbahce's 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 are suspended for this match.
Rangers
The Scottish side finished eighth in the group stage, securing a direct spot in the Europa League Round of 16. In eight matches, the club recorded 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Last season, they also reached this stage but were halted by Benfica (2-2 and 0-1). Interestingly, in the last six European seasons, Rangers have reached the Round of 16 in the Europa League four times, failing to progress further each time.
Last week, the club made a managerial change, appointing Barry Ferguson as head coach to replace the dismissed Philippe Clement.
- Both teams scored in Rangers' last five Europa League matches.
- In their last 14 matches in this tournament, Rangers have lost only three times (6 wins and 5 draws).
- The club has conceded in 14 of their last 16 away matches 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 Yigaman.
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%.
Fenerbahce vs. Rangers: Match Prediction
In this encounter, it's difficult to favor one side, as both clubs have extensive experience in European competitions. Therefore, the home field advantage could be crucial. In their last 13 home Europa League matches, Fenerbahce has only lost to Athletic, securing 7 wins and 5 draws. The team rarely concedes more than one goal in home matches in this tournament.
Rangers are less dangerous away from home. In their last 17 away Europa League matches, the club has only won 4 times (7 draws and 6 losses). It's unlikely that the hosts will confidently defeat the Scots, as Rangers usually lose by just one goal away from home. However, Fenerbahce tends to perform well at home, except against teams from top European leagues. Therefore, my prediction is a Fenerbahce win.
