Prediction: Fenerbahce vs Strum Graz

Two camps who will be looking to extend on their respective Champions League qualifying adventures on Wednesday night, Fenerbahce will welcome Strum Graz to Istanbul for their first-leg showdown.

With Europe’s elite domestic leagues set to make their returns over the next fortnight, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Fenerbahce

Starting with the hosts, once again falling short last season as they were eventually forced to settle for another silver medal finish among Turkey’s elite, Fenerbahce’s wait to get their hands on a Super Lig crown now stems back over the past 12 years. Now once again under the guidance of former boss Ismail Kartal, the 65-year-old will be more than aware that the pressure will immediately fall on his experienced shoulders. While the Turkish heavyweights might have extended on their Champions League qualifying adventure last week as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 aggregate win against Polish outfit Gornik Zabrze, Fenerbahce failed to make any real statement over both legs. Nevertheless, knowing the importance of claiming an early advantage on Wednesday night, Kartal’s men have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters since back in February.

Completing what was a blockbuster summer switch from Marseille, one-time Manchester United youngster Mason Greenwood will feature in the final third and could be handed a maiden Fenerbahce start.

Bagging consecutive strikes against Gornik Zabzre over the past fortnight, former Al-Nassr marksman Talisca will spearhead Kartal’s attack on Wednesday night. Appearing to have recently cemented his spot as Fenerbahce’s number one choice, Turkish shot-stopper Mert Gunok should keep his spot between the sticks.

Strum Graz

As for the visitors, relinquishing their domestic crown last season in the most dramatic of circumstances, many were wondering if Strum Graz would show any signs of a hangover this time around. Getting their respective Champions League qualifying adventure underway with a major statement of intent as they cruised their way to an empathic 6-0 aggregate victory against Scottish outfit hearts, Fabio Ingolitsch’s side should be excited by a trip to Istanbul on Wednesday night. Despite getting their first-leg battle underway almost universally regarded as a major underdog contender, Strum Graz should take plenty of solace from their rugged success on the road. In fact, the Blacks have not tasted a single defeat on their travels since the middle of February.

Completing a permanent switch from Dutch giants Feyenoord this summer, Costa Rican international Jeyland Mitchell will start at the heart of Strum Graz’s defence on Wednesday night.

Handed a full domestic rest against Tirol over the weekend, 17-year-old sensation Luca Weinhandl should be handed a full recall in the middle of the park. Reportedly attracting some European interest this summer, 22-year-old goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov will start between the sticks.

Fenerbahce vs Strum Graz Key Factors to Consider

• When Fenerbahce and Strum Graz last met on the European stage back in August 2017, Wednesday’s hosts secured a 3-2 aggregate victory.
• Fenerbahce have not suffered a single defeat in front of their own supporters since back in February.
• Likewise, Strum Graz are undefeated away from the Merkur Arena since the middle of February.
• Continuing on from last season, Strum Graz have notched at least a pair of goals in five of their last six competitive appearances across all competitions.
• Brazilian marksman Talisca notched back-to-back qualifying strikes against Gornik Zabzre over the past fortnight.

While Fenerbahce might open Wednesday’s first-leg showdown pencilled in as a landslide contender in Istanbul, the Turkish heavyweights could face another tricky test. Just about dragging themselves past Gornik Zabzre last week following a nervy 2-1 aggregate victory, they will meet a Strum Graz attack who have largely impressed on either side of the summer interval. Breezing past Hearts last week thanks to a dominant 6-0 aggregate win, we could be treated to an enjoyable qualifying battle in midweek.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: Panathinaikos vs CSKA 1948 Sofia

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Soccer Predictions

Prediction: New York City FC vs Toronto FC

Soccer Predictions

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.