Last week, Midtjylland leapfrogged Fenerbahçe in the Europa League standings, and now the Danish side have a stronger chance of maintaining their play-off position. Technically, a draw would suffice for them on Thursday, whereas Fenerbahçe risk elimination if they drop points.
Before their crucial 2:0 win over Ludogorets Razgrad, Midtjylland had suffered three consecutive losses in the Europa League, with an aggregate score of 1:6. Their last home match in European competition, a defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt (1:2) in late November, saw them allow a hefty 2.49 xGA with 17 shots on their goal. Unlike Fenerbahçe, Midtjylland have been struggling to maintain match fitness, given that the Danish league is currently on its winter break.
Since 15 December, Fenerbahçe have hit a strong patch of form, collecting six wins and two draws in eight matches. Against Olympique Lyonnais at home (0:0), they came close to breaking through, generating 0.93 xG. Over the weekend, they edged Göztepe (3:2), with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring a second-half brace, bringing his tally to 10 goals and 1 assist in his last eight appearances.
Midtjylland’s lack of match sharpness due to their winter break will make it tough for them to hold out for 90 minutes against Fenerbahçe. The Turkish side, riding high on confidence and form, should find opportunities to exploit. However, we recommend betting on them with a zero handicap.
