Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa League match.
This is one of the headline fixtures on Matchday 2 of the League Phase of the UEFA Europa League, yet at present these big-name sides are not even in the top 24. Both teams badly need a win.
Fenerbahçe
Since the dismissal of José Mourinho, Fenerbahçe have yet to find consistency. In the Süper Lig, the team are unbeaten, but they have already drawn three times, two of them since Domenico Tedesco took charge: against Alanyaspor (2:2) and Kasımpaşa SK (1:1). A third match without a win followed with a 1:3 defeat away to GNK Dinamo Zagreb. Fenerbahçe offered very little in attack despite 58% possession: only six shots and 0.17 xG. It was surprising that they scored at all.
OGC Nice
The start of the season has also been underwhelming for OGC Nice. The squad were eliminated in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, losing comprehensively to SL Benfica (0:2, 0:2), and they remain in the bottom half of the Ligue 1 standings. Moreover, in their home opener in the UEFA Europa League, Nice lost 1:2 to AS Roma, conceding twice in the first five minutes of the second half, which effectively destroyed their chances.
Fenerbahçe vs OGC Nice Prediction
Away from home, OGC Nice have been beaten by two goals even by mid-table Ligue 1 sides, and that is before factoring in Champions League calibre opponents. Fenerbahçe, despite absentees, have been steadily collecting points at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium (four wins, two draws). They held Benfica 0:0. Therefore, Fenerbahçe should win on Thursday.
