Fenerbahce vs Rangers: Preview, predictions and lineups

Rangers Face Tough Test Against Fenerbahce in Europa League Last 16

Rangers are set for a challenging trip to Fenerbahce on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie, managed by the experienced Jose Mourinho. The Scottish side, now led by interim manager Barry Ferguson following the sacking of Philippe Clement last month, are struggling for form and confidence. Despite a positive start under Ferguson with a win, a 2-1 home defeat to Motherwell over the weekend has left fans concerned about their prospects in Turkey.

Rangers are currently 16 points behind their fierce rivals, Celtic, in the Scottish Premiership. However, their European campaign has been more promising, with four wins and two draws in the group stage helping them finish eighth in the league phase and avoid the play-off round.

In contrast, Fenerbahce has excelled domestically but struggled in Europe. They narrowly secured a place in the play-offs after finishing 24th in the group stage before overcoming Anderlecht in the knockout round. Mourinho, who has expressed interest in managing either Celtic or Rangers in the future, will be aiming to extend his impressive European knockout record on Thursday.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

Fenerbahce vs Rangers Head-to-Head Record (All Time):
N/A

Current Form (All Competitions):

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Fenerbahce:
Bright Osayi-Samuel is ruled out due to injury and suspension, while midfielder Fred is also suspended for accumulating yellow cards. Defensive injuries plague Mourinho’s side, with Rodrigo Becao and Jayden Oosterwolde out for the season and Diego Carlos missing due to a knee injury. Midfielder Ismail Yuksek is also unavailable.

Predicted Fenerbahce Lineup (3-4-1-2):
Egribayat; Skriniar, Soyuncu, Akcicek; Muldur, Szymanski, Amrabat, Kostic; Tadic; En-Nesyri, Dzeko.

Rangers:
Rangers have fewer injury concerns, with long-term absentees Oscar Cortes and Neraysho Kasanwirjo the only players missing. Ferguson is expected to stick with a familiar lineup, with John Souttar returning to the side in place of Ridvan Yilmaz. Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin will anchor the midfield, while Cyriel Dessers leads the attack.

Predicted Rangers Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Propper, Jefte; Diomande, Raskin; Cerny, Igamane, Hagi; Dessers.

Prediction

Rangers have a solid European pedigree, having reached the final of this competition in 2021/22, but they face an uphill battle against a star-studded Fenerbahce side. With key players like Edin Dzeko, Dusan Tadic, and Milan Skriniar in their ranks, Fenerbahce are expected to take a commanding lead into the second leg at Ibrox.

Prediction: Fenerbahce 3-1 Rangers

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