As the domestic campaigns across Europe slowly start hitting full-swing, the major continental competitions edge closer. Here we take a look at the Europa League play-off between Turkish side Fenerbahçe and Swiss outfit Grasshoppers.
The Turks have ended up in the Europa League play-off as a result of failing to make it past Monaco in the Champions League qualifiers. Whereas Grasshoppers find themselves in this tie as a result of finishing fourth in the Swiss league last year and then, subsequently, beating Apollon of Cyprus (5-4 aggregate) in the previous round just a few weeks ago.
From a betting point of view, there is only one thing that stands out here – goals. The bet to be on is ‘Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score’ at odds of 11/10.
Both of these sides have made a habit of scoring, conceding and generally being involved in reasonably high-scoring games of late. In their last five matches at home, Fenerbahçe have scored 11 goals and have conceded eight. Four of those five matches saw both teams score, while all five saw at least three match goals go in. As for the visitors, in their last five away matches, they’ve scored six and have conceded ten. Four of these matches have seen both three or more goals and both teams to score.
This recent record showcases that, while both are capable of scoring goals and threatening offensively, these two teams certainly have problems at the back.
In this match, as the hosts and after dropping out of Champions League contention, Fenerbahçe are likely to play on the front foot. The hosts are expected to try and establish a lead in this first leg and with what they have up top, especially the pace, it would be a surprise if they weren’t able to seriously threaten their opponents. At the same time, though, Grasshoppers will know that defensively they are likely to struggle and thus an away goal in this tie will be crucial. The visitors are also a capable side when it comes to scoring and they shouldn’t be without opportunities here, especially on the counter.
In a game where attack is generally the best form of defence for both, goals should be on the menu.