Anderlecht must produce a historic comeback when they host Fenerbahce at Lotto Park, trailing 3-0 from the first leg of their Europa League playoff tie. The Belgian side who narrowly missed out on an automatic last 16 spot by goal difference face an enormous challenge as they attempt to overturn this deficit. Fenerbahce arrive in Brussels well ahead on aggregate and also boast a 14 match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Les Mauves et Blancs have struggled in Europe recently losing their last three Europa League matches by a combined score of 9-3. However, they did restore some confidence with a 1-0 league win over Charleroi last weekend, a result that strengthened their position in the Belgian Pro League’s top six. Anderlecht must defy odds to advance as only one of the last 136 teams to lose the first leg of a European tie by three or more goals have been able to turn it around. Their inspiration could come from Valencia’s dramatic 2013-14 comeback against Basel but with Fenerbahce in top form the Belgian giants have a tough task ahead.
Jose Mourinho’s side have won five consecutive games including their 3-0 first leg triumph over Anderlecht and a 3-1 league victory against Kasimpasa. In the Super Lig Fenerbahce sit second just six points behind Galatasaray with 57 points. The Turkish giants also finished 24th in the Europa League league phase and are now in position to reach the last 16 for the second time in three seasons. If they secure a victory on Thursday they will have won both legs of a European knockout tie for the first time since 2006-07. Fenerbahce also have history on their side, having won four and drawn one of their last five meetings with Anderlecht.
Anderlecht will be without striker Kasper Dolberg who suffered a knee injury last weekend, joining Yari Verschaeren and Mario Stroeykens on the sidelines. Luis Vazquez is expected to replace Dolberg up front. Veteran defender Jan Vertonghen could return to the squad after recovering from an ankle injury.
Fenerbahce are missing multiple defenders with Jayden Oosterwolde, Rodrigo Becao, Dominik Livakovic, Diego Carlos, Caglar Soyuncu and Alexander Djiku all sidelined. Sofyan Amrabat is likely to continue as a makeshift center back alongside Milan Skriniar. Up front, Dzeko and Youssef En-Nesyri who has 23 goals this season will lead the attack.
Anderlecht possible lineup: Coosemans; Sardella, Simic, Adryelson, Augustinsson; Leoni, Dendoncker; Dreyer, Huerta, Degreef; Vazquez
Fenerbahce possible lineup: Egribayrat; Skriniar, Amrabat, Akcicek; Osayi-Samuel, Fred, Szymanski, Kostic; Tadic; En-Neysri, Dzeko
