Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao: Predicted lineups, key stats for ...

Fenerbahce will face Athletic Bilbao at 6:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday at the Ulker Stadium in Istanbul in a crucial UEFA Europa League group-stage match.

The Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao match is an opportunity for Fenerbahce to boost their position in the league table while Bilbao seeks to maintain their unbeaten run and secure first place in the group.

The Europa League match is significant for both clubs. Fenerbahce, currently in 15th place with eight points, must secure a win to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Meanwhile, Bilbao sits joint-top with 13 points and aims to continue their dominance.

Fred of Fenerbahce (L) in action against Simion Michez of Slavia (R) during the UEFA Europa League match between Slavia Prague and Fenerbahce at Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czech Republic on Nov. 28, 2024. (AA Photo) Recent performances, form before Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao Fenerbahce’s journey so far

The Turkish side has had mixed results in this Europa League season. They began with a 2-1 victory over Union SG but struggled in their next three matches, drawing against Twente and Manchester United before losing 3-1 to AZ Alkmaar.

A critical 2-1 win against Slavia Prague on matchday five reignited their campaign. However, their recent domestic form took a hit with a 1-0 loss to Besiktas, adding pressure to this European contest.

Athletic Bilbao’s strong momentum

The Basque club has been impressive, going unbeaten with four wins and one draw. Their most recent Europa League match was a commanding 3-0 win over Elfsborg, demonstrating both defensive resilience and attacking depth.

Domestically, Bilbao is on a five-match winning streak, including victories over Real Madrid and Villarreal, and remains undefeated in their last 11 games across all competitions.

Players of Fenerbahce celebrate after scoring a goal during the Turkish Super Lig football match in Trabzon, Türkiye, Nov. 3, 2024. (AA Photo) Expected lineups for Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao in Europa League clash Fenerbahce probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Goalkeeper: Livakovic Defenders: Osayi-Samuel, Djiku, Soyuncu, Muldur Midfielders: Yuksek, Amrabat; Tadic, Szymanski, Saint-Maximin Forward: En-Nesyri Unavailable players for Fenerbahce: Fred (suspension) Mert Hakan Yandas and Jayden Oosterwolde (injuries) Filip Kostic, Bartug Elmaz, Levent Mercan (excluded from the UEFA squad list) Athletic Bilbao probable lineup (4-2-3-1): Goalkeeper: Simon Defenders: Gorosabel, Vivian, Yeray, Boiro Midfielders: Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; Nico Williams, Sancet, Inaki Williams Forward: Guruzeta Unavailable players for Bilbao: Ander Herrera (hamstring injury) Tadic (R) of Fenerbahce in action during the Turkish Super Lig 13th week match in Kayseri, Türkiye on Nov. 23, 2024. (AA Photo) Players to watch in Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao match Fenerbahce key players: Dusan Tadic: The team’s captain brings creativity and leadership, making him pivotal in breaking down Bilbao’s defense Sebastian Szymanski: His sharp passing and set-piece skills could be crucial in a tight contest Youssef En-Nesyri: The striker, fresh off scoring against Slavia Prague, will aim to continue his form Athletic Bilbao key players: Nico Williams: Known for his pace and skill on the wing, he can be a game-changer Oihan Sancet: A versatile attacker capable of exploiting defensive gaps Unai Simon: The experienced goalkeeper adds stability to Bilbao’s backline Fenerbahce’s coach Jose Mourinho during the UEFA Europa League football match between Fenerbahce and Manchester United at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, in Istanbul, Türkiye, Oct. 24, 2024. (AFP Photo) Tactical insights from managers Jose Mourinho, Ernesto Valverde

Jose Mourinho is likely to focus on a defensive structure paired with quick counterattacks, aiming to capitalize on Fenerbahce’s home advantage in the Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao match.

Ernesto Valverde’s strategy may emphasize pressing and possession, leveraging Bilbao’s defensive strength and attacking options to control the game.

Predictions for Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao Europa League match

With Fenerbahce’s strong home record—they’ve won four of their last five matches in Istanbul—and Bilbao’s unbeaten run, the Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao match is expected to be closely contested.

A draw seems a likely outcome, with a potential scoreline of 2-2 reflecting the attacking capabilities and resilience of both teams.

Historical data, important stats about Fenerbahce, Athletic Bilbao First competitive meeting: This is the first time these two teams are meeting in a European competition Fenerbahce’s record vs Spanish teams: Out of 11 encounters, they have managed only two wins, with the other nine ending in defeats Bilbao’s record vs Turkish teams: Bilbao has faced Turkish opposition eight times, recording four wins, one draw, and three losses Defensive record: Athletic Bilbao has the joint-best defensive record in the Europa League this season, conceding just two goals Scoring trends: Fenerbahce has scored seven goals in five Europa League matches but has kept only one clean sheet in their last seven games across all competitions

The pivotal Fenerbahce vs Athletic Bilbao Europa League matchup has all the ingredients for an intense evening of football.

Athletic Bilbao will aim to continue their remarkable form as Fenerbahce seeks redemption on home soil. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as these two teams battle for supremacy in Istanbul.