Fenerbahce vs Grasshopper predictions, betting tips & match preview

Fenerbahce have earned their place in the play-off round of the Europa League after being knocked out in the 3rd round of qualifying for the Champions League. They lost to Monaco 4-3 on aggregate in that round having been given their place in the 3rd round by finishing in 2nd place in the Turkish Super Lig last term.

Grasshopper have had a harder route to this play-off round, having been given a place in the 2nd qualifying round for the Europa League following a 4th place finish in the Swiss Super League. They first knocked out KR of Iceland with a 5-4 aggregate win, before squeezing past Apollon of Cyprus with a 5-4 aggregate win after the tie was taken to extra time at 3-3.

Fenerbahce finished their league campaign last season in emphatic fashion, winning 4 and drawing 1 of their last 5 home games, scoring 10 and conceding 2 in the process. They followed this up with 2 home wins in pre-season and a home win in their tie against Monaco. Their incredible home form will make them very difficult to beat on Thursday.

Grasshoppers are already 4 games into their new season and have gotten off to a poor start, losing all 3 of their away games whilst winning their only home match. They also have not managed to win away from home in the Europa League so far, with a 3-3 draw at KR and a 2-1 loss (in 90 mins) against Apollon.

Fenerbahce’s great home form combined with Grasshoppers poor away form makes the home win an obvious choice. There have also been a lot of goals in both sides games, with 6 of 7 home games for Fenerbahce seeing over 2.5 goals and 5 of Grasshoppers last 6 away seeing the same feat. That makes a Fenerbahce win and Over 2.5 Match Goals bet at 10/11 seem great value. A 3-1 Fenerbahce win looks a solid choice at 10/1 as well.