Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Fenerbahce will look to retain top position in Group B when they take on AEK Larnaca at Ulker Stadyumu. Fenerbahce showed character in a 2-2 draw with Rennes, with the team coming from two goals behind to share the spoils with the Ligue 1 outfit, and they are surely capable of making life difficult for AEK Larnaca on home soil. In comparison with the second group game, experienced forward Joshua King has joined Peres and Sangare in the recovery room.
The Cypriotes, on the other hand, proved their worth in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev, but keep in mind that the game was played on a neutral location. Fenerbahce are a real force to be reckoned with at home, and we predict that the Turks will emerge triumphant in Thursday’s clash. There are no fresh injury worries in the away team ahead of the trip to Istanbul.
Highlighted Player (Joshua King):
Joshua King is a Norway international who plays for Premier League side Bournemouth as a striker. King was born in Oslo on January 15, 1992 and he started his career at the youth team of Romsas. In 2006 the Norwegian footballer moved to Valerenga and two years later he joined Premier League giants Manchester United. Nonetheless, he did not see any game action at Old Trafford as he was immediately sent on loan to Preston.
Joshua King played for the likes of Borussia M’gladbach, Hull City and Blackburn Rovers on loan as well before signing a permanent deal with the Riversiders in January, 2013. The pacey attacker scored only three goals in 56 appearances in the league for Blackburn Rovers, but in 2015 Bournemouth chiefs decided to bring him to Vitality Stadium.
Joshua King impressed in the 2016/2017 Premier League campaign, with the Norwegian striker scoring 16 goals in 36 appearances for the Cherries. King provided two assists for his teammates in the process as well.
Highlighted Team (AEK Larnaca):
AEK Larnaca are a Cypriot side that compete in the Cypriot 1. Division. AEK Larnaca were founded in July, 1994 and they have yet to win the national championship. However, they did well to win the domestic cup on two occasions (2003/2004, 2017/2018), with the team beating the likes of AEL and Apollon Limassol respectively in the title game.
The Guardians wear white shirts with a little yellow and green on it and white shorts when playing at home, while their away colours are gray and black. AEK Larnaca will compete in the Europa League in the 2018/2019 season, with the team facing the likes of Zurich, Bayer Leverkusen and Ludogorets in Group A.
The Cypriotes booked their place in the group stages of the competition by beating Trencin in the two-legged tie. AEK Larnaca welcome their rivals at AEK Arena – Georgios Karapatakis Larnaca, the stadium which can hold up to 7,400 spectators. AEK Larnaca play their home games on natural grass.