Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker:
Looking to extend on their Champions League qualifying adventure on Tuesday evening, Fenerbahce will welcome Lugano to Istanbul.
Fenerbahce
Starting with the hosts, eventually claiming what was a thrilling first-leg advantage over in Switzerland last week as they secured a 4-3 victory, Fenerbahce will simply be looking to finish off the job with a statement on home soil. Officially getting Jose Mourinho’s tenure underway following the ex-Manchester United bosses arrival last month, the Turkish giants should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Making real history last season as they got their hands on a third consecutive domestic crown, the Yellow Canaries are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender on Tuesday evening. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a thumping 5-1 romp against Hull City on July 18th, Mourinho’s men have suffered just a single defeat from any of their 12 appearances across all competitions continuing on from last season.
Team News
Bagging a stunning first-leg hat-trick over in Switzerland last week and enjoying what has become a sensational summer romp, former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko will spearhead Fenerbahce’s charge here. Registering 24 direct Super Lig goal contributions last season, ex-Ajax star Susan Tadic will join Dzeko in the final third.
Previously working under Mourinho during his time with Premier League giants Manchester United, Brazilian midfielder Fred will start in the middle of the park on Tuesday evening. Former Atletico Madrid defender Caglar Soyuncu will keep his spot at the back.
Lugano
As for the visitors, while Lugano might have eventually slumped to that pulsating 4-3 loss on home soil last week, the Bianconeri should take plenty of positives away from a gutsy performance. Causing the Turkish icons a string of issues, Mattia Croci-Torti’s side will be looking to spring an almighty upset in Istanbul on Tuesday evening. Despite suffering major Swiss Cup final heartbreak back on June 2nd as they were hit with a penalties defeat against Servette, they have enjoyed an eye-catching start to the 2024/25 campaign. Picking up some perfect momentum last weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory away at Basel, Lugano have opened proceedings with back-to-back Super League wins. Although Tuesday’s guests might be seeking some welcomed defensive resolve, Croci-Torti’s side proved last week that they should not be overlooked.
Team News
Still dealing with a muscle injury and missing out on first-leg duties last week, Lugano will once again be unable to call upon Kosovan striker Shkelqim Vladi. However, featuring for Switzerland while away at this summer’s European Championships, Renato Steffen will feature on Tuesday evening.
Grabbing a first goal of the season last weekend away at Basel, former Chicago Fire youngster Ignacio Aliseda will lead Lugano’s charge in the final third. Arriving from Borussia Dortmund this summer, Antonios Papadopoulos will once again start at the heart of Croci-Torti’s defence.
Key Factors to Consider
