The match of matchday 8 of the group stage of the 2025/26 Europa League between FCSB (Romania) and Fenerbahçe (Turkey) will take place on 29 January at the National Stadium Bucharest. FCSB vs Fenerbahçe: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
FCSB
FCSB lost away to Dinamo Zagreb (1:4) in the previous round. It was the team's fifth defeat in their last six Europa League matches, and the side conceded even in a match they won during this stretch. However, the team found the net in 4 of its previous 5 Europa League games. With 6 points, the club sits 29th in the standings. The team still has a chance to reach the play-offs, but it needs not only to win the final round but also to wait for rivals to slip up.
- The team conceded at least twice in 5 of its last 6 Europa League matches.
- At home FCSB has not drawn in 8 Europa League matches in a row (4 wins, 4 defeats).
- There was a goal in both halves in 6 of the team's 7 previous home matches in this competition.
Potential FCSB Lineup (4-5-1)*
Stefan Târnovanu – Daniel Graovac, Joyskim Dawa, Risto Radunović, Siyabonga Ngezana – Baba Alhassan, Yuri Chizotti, Darius Olaru, Mihai Lixandru, David Miculescu – Daniel Birliga.
Defender Mihai Popescu and forward Florin Tănase are injured. Forward Daniel Birliga is suspended.
Fenerbahçe
Fenerbahçe lost at home to Aston Villa (0:1) in the previous round, ending a five-match unbeaten run in the Europa League (3 wins, 2 draws). This was only the second time in 12 previous matches in the competition that the team failed to score. Nevertheless, the side has just nine goals, a figure higher than more than half of the group-stage participants. The play-off place is already secured. There are theoretical chances to move into the top eight, but points cannot be dropped in the upcoming game. Coach: Domenico Tedesco.
- The team has not conceded more than one goal in 6 consecutive Europa League matches.
- Away in this competition the team has avoided defeat in 6 of its last 7 matches (3 wins, 3 draws).
- Fenerbahçe scored in 8 of their last 9 Europa League matches.
Potential Fenerbahçe Lineup (4-5-1)*
Ederson – Mert Müldür, Milan Škriniar, Jayden Oosterwolde, Nélson Semedo – Ismail Yüksek, Marco Asensio, Néné Dorgeles, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Fred – John Duran.
Defenders Archie Brown and Münir Levent are out with injury. Their teammate Milan Škriniar is suspended.
Referee
Nenad Minaković (Serbia)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2025/26);
Shown yellow/red cards (counting second yellows) – 37;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 28;
Penalties – 38%.
FCSB vs Fenerbahçe: Match Prediction
FCSB must try to cling to the chance of reaching the play-offs. To do that the team needs three points, and that cannot be achieved without scoring. The side looked fairly prolific in the group stage; at home FCSB featured in 6 of their last 7 Europa League matches with goals, sending a total of 14 into opponents' nets. However, that attacking emphasis has not been reflected in defensive stability: FCSB conceded at least twice in 5 of their last 6 home games in this competition.
The visitors cannot sit back either, as they also have a chance to reach the top eight. In the current edition the team failed to score only against Aston Villa and Viktoria Plzeň, but those opponents are among the top four in terms of fewest goals conceded. Containing the attack of a motivated home side will not be easy for the visitors. The team kept a clean sheet in just 3 of their last 10 away Europa League matches.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
* For each team the starting lineup in their last match in this tournament is shown.
