Fenerbahce v Braga: Europa League Preview

Fenerbahce host Braga in the Europa League Last 16 first-leg clash at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium.

The Yellow Canaries have only lost once at home in the league over the last three seasons but it is worth nothing that Fenerbahce did suffer a shock 4-1 home defeat against Molde in the Europa League group stages earlier in the season.

Fenerbahce will be without the suspended Diego Ribas while Gokhan Gonul and Lazar Markovic are both out injured.

Former Manchester United stars Robin van Persie and Luis Nani are both expected to start for the Istanbul giants.

Braga meanwhile will be without Djavan but face no other major injury concerns going into the clash.

 

Fenerbahce are in great form fighting on all three fronts this season. The Canaries are first in the league have booked a place in the Europa League and as mentioned above have a great home record.

Braga will however, be in high spirits after beating Porto 3-1 over the weekend. The Portuguese outfit have tended not to travel well and have seen six red cards in their last eight games on the road.

Fenerbahce are a force to be reckoned with at home and the atmosphere in the Sukru Saracoglu is one of the most intimidating in Europe.

Prediction: Fenerbahce Win

FENERBAHÇE – BRAGA
Stadium: Sukru Saracoglu
Referee: Clement Turpin
Kick-off: 18:00 GMT

Fenerbahce: Fabiano, Gökhan Gönül(Şener), Kjaer, Alves, Caner, Mehmet Topal, Josef de Souza, Ozan Tufan, Volkan Şen, Nani, Robin van Persie
Manager: Vitor Pereira

Braga: Matheus, Baiano, Ricardo Ferreira, Andre Pinto, Goiano, Luis Carlos, Vukcevic, Josue, Rafa Silva, Ahmed Hassan, Stoiljkovic
Manager: Paulo Fonseca