Will Fenerbahce beat the Cypriots again?
The Canaries from Istanbul are on course for the knockout stages of the Europa League. After three matchdays, Fenerbahce are already on seven points, meaning their ticket to the knockout phase of UEFA’s second most important European Cup is already within reach. In the next match in Cyprus, Fenerbahce can fix their progress to the knockout phase of the EL 2022/23.
Meanwhile, AEK Larnaca, in third place, have only three points after three matchdays. If Fenerbahce win the match against the Cypriots, the lead over AEK will be extended to seven points two matchdays before the end of the group stage. In addition, FB can thus continue to confirm their top position.
As in the first leg a week ago, the bookmakers see the Turkish top club as favourites this time as well. For AEK Larnaca vs. Fenerbahce, odds of only 1.80 are currently offered for tip 2. If the Cypriots win, on the other hand, odds of up to 4.75 are on offer.
For the Cypriots, Thursday’s match is a “do or die” game. It is therefore obvious that AEK Larnaca will take more risks at the latest in the course of the match if the score is even in order to bag three points against the group leaders. A high-scoring encounter is therefore likely.
AEK Larnaca – Statistics & current form
AEK Larnaca has played a mixed season so far. Neither on the international stage nor on the national level could last year’s runners-up from Cyprus find a foothold so far. In the league, AEK have “only” ten points after six match days in the Cypriot top flight. AEK have already lost two of their six league games.
Internationally, on the other hand, AEK must fear for their entry into the knockout phase of the Europa League. The Cypriots still have a mathematical chance of finishing Group B in one of the two starting positions for the knockout phase. In the worst-case scenario, AEK Larnaca still have a chance to limit the damage by finishing third.
This would at least allow them to continue their international adventure in the Conference League. Because Dynamo Kiev, currently bottom of Group B, have yet to pick up a point, third place is not in danger for the Cypriots for the time being.
Does AEK use home advantage against FB?
AEK Larnaca will not hide at home against the visitors from Turkey. After all, there has only been one defeat in the last six home games for the Cypriots. Most recently, AEK even celebrated two home victories in a row without conceding a goal, including a 4-0 win over Anorthosis.
With this in mind, bettors looking to back the Cypriot hosts in AEK Larnaca vs Fenerbahce could pick up betting odds of up to 4.75 on AEK’s success. Internationally, AEK have a record of 2-0-2 in four home games so far this season, scoring at least one goal in each of the four matches.
It is quite possible that the series will continue against Fenerbahce. They have enough offensive power to do so. The most valuable player in the Cypriot ranks is Pere Pons. The 29-year-old Spaniard arrived on loan from Basque club Alaves during the summer break and has been a fixture in the centre ever since.
Predicted line-up of AEK Larnaca:
Piric – Rosales, Milicevic, Tomovic, Garcia – Mamas, Sanjurjo, Gustavo – Faraj, Rafa Lopes, Altman
Last matches played by AEK Larnaca:
1st League
09/10/2022 – Aris Limassol 1 – 2 AEK Larnaca
Europa League Grp. B
07/10/2022 – Fenerbahçe 2 – 0 AEK Larnaca
1st League
01/10/2022 – AEK Larnaca 4 – 0 Anorthosis
18/09/2022 – Pafos FC 1 – 0 AEK Larnaca
Europa League Grp. B
16/09/2022 – Dynamo Kiev 0 – 1 AEK Larnaca
Fenerbahce – Statistics & current form
Fenerbahce are just one step away from progressing to the knockout stages of the Europa League. After three matchdays, the Canaries – tied on points with Rennes, mind you – still lead Group B. They have won two and drawn one of their three group games so far. The latter came in the showdown with Rennes, where Fenerbahce came back from 2-0 down to earn a point.
Against AEK Larnaca, on the other hand, the Yellow Navy won 2-0 last week. Fenerbahce took a 1-0 lead before the break. In the second half, Fenerbahce went up 2-0 after an own goal by Mamas to close out the final period.
Compared to the encounter on the international stage, FB coach Jorge Jesus’ side stumbled in the league. Against Fatih Karagümrük – Pirlo’s club in the Turkish top flight – an attacking spectacle was followed by a last-minute goal to secure a 5-4 win. It also extended Fenerbahce’s impressive goal tally in the league.
Offensive in top form
In the Süper Lig, Fenerbahce have already scored 25 goals after eight matchdays – an average of more than three goals per league match. If the Canaries take the momentum from their recent derby win into the match against the Cypriots, Fenerbahce’s next scoring feast cannot be ruled out.
Internationally, the Canaries’ top scorer is currently Michy Batshuayi. The Belgian has already scored two goals in the Europa League group stage. In the league, however, Enner Valencia is currently the Canaries’ top scorer with ten goals and two assists.
Valencia laced a treble against the city rivals and was set up front with Pedro. Batshuayi only came on as a wild card in the closing stages and his last-minute goal gave the championship aspirants from Istanbul the three points. The Belgian may well be preferred at international level, with Valencia likely to make the bench in his place.
Predicted Fenerbahce line-up:
Bayindir – Alioski, Szalai, Gustavo, Osayi-Samuel – Yüksek – Lincoln, Crespo – Rossi, Batshuayi, Güler
Last matches played by Fenerbahce:
Süper Lig
09/10/2022 – Fenerbahçe 5 – 4 Fatih Karagümrük
Europa League Grp. B
07/10/2022 – Fenerbahçe 2 – 0 AEK Larnaca
Süper Lig
02/10/2022 – Beşiktaş 0 – 0 Fenerbahçe
18/09/2022 – Fenerbahçe 5 – 0 Alanyaspor
Europa League Grp. B
16/09/2022 – Rennes 2 – 2 Fenerbahçe
AEK Larnaca – Fenerbahce Direct comparison / H2H record
AEK Larnaca and Fenerbahce met for the first time ever last week. The Canaries celebrated a 2-0 victory in their premiere encounter against the Cypriots to top the H2H. In a total of three competitive matches against teams from Cyprus, Fenerbahce have thus always left the pitch as winners.
AEK Larnaca – Fenerbahce Tip
Fenerbahce have not lost any of their last seven competitive matches since their last loss to Konyaspor just under two months ago. The Canaries have won three of their last four matches, scoring 12 goals – five of them in the recent derby against Fatih Karagümrük SK.
The goal rate is by no means surprising, as head coach Jorge Jesus, who took over the team in the summer of 2022, is known for his offensive playing philosophy. The Portuguese will continue to insist on this throughout the rest of the season, which is why further offensive spectacles involving the Yellow-Navy Blue cannot be ruled out.
Such as the upcoming EL group game in Cyprus. Fenerbahce, meanwhile, hold all the aces as group leaders and can lock up a place in the knockout phase – sixteenth or eighth finals – of the Europa League as early as this week. Which round the Canaries will start in will probably only be decided in the showdown with Stade Rennes.
For AEK Larnaca vs. Fenerbahce, we dare to bet on the guests from Turkey at reasonable odds.
