Manchester United take on Istanbul giants Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium on Match Day 4 in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Fenerbahce suffered a rather embarrassing 4-1 defeat against United a fortnight ago but they will take solace from their 5-0 victory over Karabukspor over the weekend.
The architect of the victory was Jeremain Lens who makes a welcome return to the team going into tonight’s game.
Lens scored and provided an assist over the weekend but missed the last game against United due to injury.
Fenerbahce also have an in-form Robin van Persie to count on up-front. The former United man has been involved in 13 goals over his last 12 league games – nine goals and four assists. The 33-year-old scored against United last time around – and got a standing ovation from the Red Devils faithful as a result.
Van Persie has been in great form but he will have to rely on service from the wings against United as he is the midfield trio of Mehmet Topal, Josef De Souza and Neustadter – all defensive midfielders – are unlikely to provide much joy in an attacking sense.
The Yellow Canaries are undefeated in their last seven home games in Europe – winning six and drawing just the once. United meanwhile have failed to win any of their last six away games.
United may be the bookmakers favourites but the team is not exactly in high spirits after getting hammered by Chelsea and being held to a goalless draw against Burnley since the Fenerbahce victory.
Jose Mourinho and his team are under mounting pressure to turn things around and if he does decide to rotate his side United could be in for a tough test – especially if he fields inexperienced, young players.
Fenerbahce have a great home record and you can be sure that the 12th man will do their upmost to intimidate the opposition.
Prediction: Fenerbahce Draw No Bet
