Our prediction for this Europa Conference League match:
Star-studded Fenerbahce and Zimbru Chisinau face each other in a David-vs-Goliath clash at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Wednesday evening. Fenerbahce chiefs did well to reinforce the squad in the summer transfer window, with all Dusan Tadic, Edin Dzeko, Alexander Djiku, and Sebastian Szymanski joining the club. Since new arrivals are eager to impress on their debut, we are positive that the Yellow-Blues will go all guns blazing at Zimbru.
The visitors, on the other hand, aim to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over La Florita. The Moldovans are not regarded as good travellers and we do not believe that they are capable of spoiling Fenerbahce’s party in Istanbul. To make things even worse for the visiting side, talented Guinea midfielder Ibrahima Soumah should miss the first leg through injury. Tajikistan forward Shakhrom Samiev is widely expected to step up if needed.
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 (Fenerbahce):
Fenerbahce are one of the biggest football clubs in Turkey. The Kanaryalar were founded on 3 May, 1907 as Fenerbahce Futbol Kulubu. Fener won their first domestic trophy in 1959 and they quickly established themselves as one of the main forces in Turkish football.
In 2014 Fenerbahce clinched their 19th league title, with the team finishing the season nine points clear of Besiktas. Galatasaray are considered Fener’s bitterest rivals and the two teams face each other in Kitalar Arasi Derbi. The rivalry between the clubs started back in 1934, when a friendly between the two teams was abandoned due to riots. Besiktas are regarded as Fenerbahce’s big rivals as well.
The likes of Mujdat Yetkiner, Zeki Riza Sporel, Aykut Kocaman, Emre Belozoglu, Alex, Nicolas Anelka, Diego Lugano, Roberto Carlos and Dirk Kuyt are famous footballers who played for the club in the past. The Kanaryalar play their home games at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, the venue that was opened in 1908. Fener’s home kits are navy blue and yellow.