Fenerbahçe are chasing automatic qualification from the Europa League league phase as they face Aston Villa tonight.
The Istanbul side currently sit 12th in the table, just two points outside the top eight, and victory here would move them to within touching distance of Aston Villa ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Fenerbahçe v Aston Villa kicks off at 5.45pm on Thursday and will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1.
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Under Domenico Tedesco, Fenerbahçe have enjoyed an excellent campaign.
They remain unbeaten after 18 domestic league matches and sit only one point behind fierce rivals Galatasaray. Their only defeat in the last 21 games across all competitions came in a narrow 2-1 cup loss to Beşiktaş, underlining just how difficult they have been to beat.
European history offers less encouragement. This is the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since 1977, when Fenerbahçe lost both encounters. Their recent record against English opposition is also modest, with just one win in their last eight matches against Premier League sides.
Aston Villa arrive in Turkey looking to refocus after a disappointing run of form.
A surprise Premier League defeat at home to Everton on Sunday dented momentum, though Unai Emery’s side have already secured at least a Europa League play off place and remain well positioned for a top eight finish.
A draw in Istanbul could be enough to all but seal automatic qualification, depending on results elsewhere. Villa boss Emery will be targeting maximum points, with victory carrying personal significance as it would make him the first manager since the competition’s rebrand to reach 100 Europa League wins.
Atmosphere is expected to play a major role. The Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium is renowned for its intensity on European nights, and handling that early pressure will be vital for Villa.
If they cope with the noise and tempo, their European experience under Emery gives them a strong chance of taking something from the game.
Fenerbahçe, though, will view this as a golden opportunity.
With form on their side and qualification firmly in sight, they are likely to play on the front foot, knowing that three points could dramatically reshape the standings heading into the final matchday.
