Fenerbahçe will host Olympique Lyonnais at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on January 23, 2025, for a decisive clash in the UEFA Europa League. After experiencing contrasting fortunes lately, both teams are vying for important points as they aim to solidify their standings.
The stakes are particularly high for Fenerbahçe, currently positioned 22nd and desperate to climb the ranks within the top 24 of the league. On the other hand, Lyon, occupying the fourth spot, can potentially secure their place among the elite eight with favorable outcomes from other matches.
Absent from Fenerbahçe’s lineup is former OGC Nice and Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin, sidelined from tonight's match. The team will also miss Mert Müldür due to suspension, with several injuries plaguing their roster, including key players like Dominik Livakovic, Rodrigo Becão, Jayden Oosterwolde, and İsmail Yüksek. Therefore, Fenerbahçe's likely starting eleven may include Irfan Can Egribayat, Yusuf Akcicek, Caglar Söyüncü, and the attacking duo of Dusan Tadic and Youssef En-Nesyri, both pivotal to their hopes of prevailing against the French side.
Lyon arrives with their form fluctuated. They recently played to a goalless draw against Toulouse, unable to find the back of the net for the first time since October. This unsettling trend adds pressure as they prepare to face the Yellow Canaries, who head to the match boasting a 100% record in 2025 and undefeated over their last six games across all competitions.
Historical data reflects Lyon's dominance over Fenerbahçe, having emerged victorious in every past encounter, scoring eleven goals during their matchups. The French squad wrapped up their previous Europa League event with a competitive 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, with Rayan Cherki contributing significantly through his goal and two assists.
Add to this Lyon's impressive away record, having won eight of their last ten matches within the Europa League, where they demonstrate lethal prowess on the road. Their potential inclusion of maligned players like Alexandre Lacazette could turn the tide, barring his struggles to convert scoring opportunities evident from recent matches.
Fenerbahçe remains optimistic. They recently trounced Adana Demirspor with a 4-0 finish, showcasing their attacking capabilities. Notably, En-Nesyri netted two goals during this match, reinforcing his position as one of the team's notable threats. Following the previous match against Athletic Bilbao, which ended in disappointment, new opportunities emerge for redemption.
Alexandre Lacazette was quoted discussing the intensity of the match. "Fenerbahçe is a team...it’s up to us to respond to their pace," highlighting the challenges his squad anticipates. Lyon manager Pierre Sage also affirmed, "The team is still very much alive. We are determined to qualify," indicating his belief in turning their fortunes around. He added, "Turkish fans are very passionate...building the squad will be difficult" to express the difficulties faced with multiple player absences.
The upcoming match is set to be pivotal as it could determine the fates of both clubs as they endeavor collective improvements. If Lyon succeeds, they will strengthen their position toward qualifying; meanwhile, Fenerbahçe will be eager to capitalize on home advantage to reestablish stability.
Historical performance alerts Fenerbahçe to not underestimate their opponent's credentials, even as they ride their current wave of momentum, demonstrating their fighting spirit. The contrasting currents of performance might lead this match to be one for the books, as the battle intensifies for precious points and qualification.
Prediction: Fenerbahçe might edge past Lyon with a narrow 2-1 victory, fueled by the raucous support from their vibrant fans at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.