UEL Preview: Can Fenerbahce keep unbeaten record against Russian clubs in Turkey?
Fenerbahce take on Krasnador in the Europa League Round of 32 second-leg clash at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium hoping to turn around the 1-0 defeat they suffered last week at the hands of the Russians.
The Yellow Canaries have not been in the best of form recently and could only manage a draw with Kasımpaşa on the weekend.
The Istanbul giants have however, never lost against Russian opposition at the Sukru Saracoglu in European competition.
Avoiding defeat will not be enough for Fenerbahce. Only a victory will do but they have won their last seven games in the Europa League at their home fortress – including Manchester United and Feyenoord.
Fenerbahce manager Dick Advocaat is no stranger to Russian football having previously coached Zenit. In fact he became an Honorary Citizen of Saint Petersburg after his 2008 UEFA Cup success at the club – the first foreigner to receive the honour since 1866.
Krasnodar also reached the last 32 last season in what was just their second European campaign but ended up losing 4-0 on aggregate to Sparta Prague.
Advocaat has a full strength side to pick from going into the tie with plenty of quality upfront with the likes of Moussa Sow, Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Emenike all available.
Jeremiah Lens could prove to be a real handful. The Sunderland loanee has been unstoppable in the Europa League this season as United and Feyenoord found in the group stages.
Fenerbahce have played their best football in Europe and are no strangers to this stage of the competition.
The Yellow Canaries were Semi-finalists in 2012/13 and reached the Last 16 last season.
Krasnador have done a great job to get to this stage of the competition but Fenerbahce have a phenomenal record at home and more quality.
Predicting a convincing Fenerbahce victory
Fenerbahce probable line-ups: Volkan, Ozbayrakli, Simon Kjaer, Hasan Ali Kaldirim, Mehmet Topal, Josef de Souza, Alper Potuk, Jeremain Lens, Moussa Sow, Robin van Persie
Krasnador probable line-ups: Kristyuk, Ramirez, Martynovich, Naldo, Kaleshin Gazinsky, Kabore, Podberezkin, Claesson, Wanderson, Smolov