Fenerbahçe – Aston Villa: a proper arm-wrestle in the heart of Istanbul 
Aston Villa didn’t have time to stew over the Everton loss: a scorching trip is waiting. On Thursday night Emery’s men touch down in Istanbul to face a confident Fenerbahçe, and the atmosphere promises to be volcanic. This one matters. Villa can pretty much lock in a last-16 spot, while Fener have to take points to stay in the lead group.
Villa: a stumble, but Europe suits them 
The mad run at Villa Park stopped dead. Eleven straight wins, then Everton ruined the party. Eighteen shots, zero goals — one of those nights. Emery, usually calm, looked irritated. His lines about not being a top-five contender raised eyebrows, almost at odds with the facts: Villa sit third, steady, and playing like a mature side.
In the Europa League it’s even clearer: five wins from six, 15 points, and tucked in the top three. Their last game — a solid win in Basel — showed they can ride out rough patches. History is on their side too: Villa have handled Turkish sides well, winning four of six meetings.
Fenerbahçe: a team that keeps charging forward 
After a tricky end to 2025, Fener switched up in 2026. Four games, four wins, a Super Cup over Galatasaray, and an 18-game unbeaten run in the league. Sunday’s 3-2 win over Alanyaspor confirmed the trend: they have grit, they play at pace, and that crowd pushes like almost no other in Europe.
In the Europa League the record is tidy: 11 points, one defeat, and an eye-catching 4-0 at Brann to climb to 12th place. The top eight isn’t out of reach, but they need to hit Villa hard. Their record against English clubs is less flattering: four wins in 20 matches. The last came in 2016, against Manchester United.
Probable lineups
Fenerbahçe :
Ederson ; Semedo, Škriniar, Oosterwolde, Muldur ; Fred, Yüksek, Talisca ; Asensio, Duran, Aktürkoğlu
Aston Villa :
Bizot ; Cash, Lindelöf, Konsa, Digne ; Bogarde, Tielemans ; Guessand, Rogers, Buendía ; Watkins
Key points
- Villa have won five of their six European matches.
- Fenerbahçe are unbeaten in the Super Lig this season.
- The Turks have beaten English clubs just four times in 20 matches.
- A Villa win would all but confirm direct qualification.
- Fenerbahçe must take points to stay in the fight for the top eight.
Football Predictions Fenerbahçe – Aston Villa
Both teams to score
Fenerbahçe arrive hot, riding a serious run and backed by a stadium that can swing a game. Villa, even a touch blunt, have too much quality to leave empty-handed. Expect an open, lively tie where both sides will find a way through.
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