Two teams battling to stay above the drop zone in the Europa League face off at MCH Arena, where FC Midtjylland host Fenerbahce in Thursday evening's high-stakes clash.
Only one point separates both sides, with FCM sitting 19th in the standings on 10 points, while the visitors are 23rd with nine, just one above 25th-placed Porto.
Match preview
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After three straight defeats, Midtjylland reignited their knockout stage hopes with a crucial 2-0 win away at Ludogorets Razgrad last time out.
Having slipped down the standings and clinging to the playoff spots on goal difference, the Wolves knew that only a victory over the Bulgarian side would improve their chances of survival, and they achieved that goal.
FCM could not have asked for a more fitting response, as Dario Osorio's 18th-minute effort put them ahead before Valdemar Andersen sealed the hard-fought win in the 95th minute despite the visitors seeing just 35% of the ball.
Looking to solidify their playoff spot in their final league phase fixture, Midtjylland must improve on a poor home record in the competition, having won just one of their last four outings at MCH Arena, drawing one and losing two — more setbacks than in their previous 10 in the competition, where they recorded five wins, four draws and one defeat.
The hosts are also seeking their first-ever victory against a Turkish opposition, having lost both of their previous such encounters, going down 1-0 at home and 2-0 away to Ankaraspor in qualifying for the 2016-17 Europa League campaign.
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Meanwhile, Fenerbahce are winless in their last two matches in the competition, losing 2-0 to Athletic Bilbao before being held to a goalless stalemate by Lyon at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium last week.
Speaking after the draw, Jose Mourinho admitted his team's precarious position, stating, "We are in trouble at this moment to qualify," with the Yellow Canaries just one point above the drop zone.
Three days later, Fenerbahce returned to domestic action, where they have been in fine form, winning each of their previous four matches, and they extended that streak with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Goztepe SK.
Sarı Lacivertliler fell behind in the 25th minute to a Juan Satus strike but turned the game around early in the second half, as a Youssef En-Nesyri brace and an Oguz Aydin strike put them in control before Novatus Miroshi's late effort proved mere consolation, keeping Fener second in the Super Lig, six points behind leaders Galatasaray.
Back in Europe for their final league phase encounter, Fenerbahce know their qualification fate remains in their own hands and can take confidence from an improved away record in Europa, having won three of their last six trips — matching their total from the previous 19 combined.
Team News
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Midtjylland remain without first-choice goalkeeper Elias Olafsson, who broke his arm last month and is sidelined until mid-February.
The Wolves also have concerns in attack, with striker Franculino Dju last featuring in October, while doubts remain over Gue-sung Cho (knee) and Kristoffer Olsson (illness).
Manager Thomas Thomasberg could stick with the front three of Osorio, Adam Buksa and Aral Simsir from last week's win.
Fenerbahce boss Mourinho is dealing with a lengthy injury list, particularly in defence, with first-choice goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (thigh) and full-back Mert Muldur (shoulder) out, while Rodrigo Becao and Jayden Oosterwolde remain sidelined with long-term knee injuries.
Midfield options are also limited, with Sofyan Amrabat suspended after receiving his third booking of the competition against Lyon, while Ismail Yuksek is doubtful, having missed the weekend win over Goztepe despite reports he had recovered from a long-term absence.
FC Midtjylland possible starting lineup:
Lossl; Mbabu, Diao, Bech, Bak; Andersson, Sorensen, Castillo; Osorio, Buksa, Simsir
Fenerbahce possible starting lineup:
Egribayat; Djiku, Soyuncu, Akcicek; Osayi-Samuel, Yandas, Fred, Szymanski; Tadic; Dzeko, En-Nesyri
We say: FC Midtjylland 1-2 Fenerbahce
With a playoff spot at stake, both teams are expected to play cautiously, aware that a loss could result in elimination, though each will still push for a win, knowing it would put them in a stronger position for qualification.
Given their current standing, Fenerbahce will be the more driven side, buoyed by their strong away form in the competition, which could set the stage for a narrow victory for the visiting team.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
