Ferencvaros vs Trabzonspor – News and Probable Lineups

Ferencvaros is set to welcome Trabzonspor to Groupama Arena on Thursday for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff fixture, with the Hungarian champions currently holding a slim lead after their 1-0 win in the first leg played in Turquia.

The initial advantage came from Kristoffer Zachariassen’s header in the first half, which indicates that Trabzonspor needs to secure a victory in Budapest to advance to the Europa League group stage.

Match overview

Ferencvaros heads back to Groupama Arena with a crucial lead due to Zachariassen’s goal in the 17th minute of the first leg held last week.

The Norwegian midfielder scored after a well-executed attack from the right side, leaping to direct a header past Andre Onana, allowing the visitors to take an early lead, which they maintained throughout the match while limiting their opponents’ clear opportunities and achieving a clean sheet.

Ferencvaros also benefited from the dismissal of Chibuike Nwaiwu in the sixth minute of added time, which leaves the Trabzonspor defender unavailable for Thursday’s return match.

Balazs Borbely’s squad has successfully navigated a tough qualifying tournament, having eliminated Gornik Zabrze in the previous round after earlier wins over Vojvodina and Twente.

Their strong home performance adds further confidence, as Ferencvaros has recorded two wins and one draw in their three European matches at Groupama Arena this season, while they also drew in their solitary domestic home game, remaining undefeated in four matches on their home turf.

Historical results also favor the home side, as they defeated Trabzonspor 3-2 at Groupama Arena during the Europa League group stage of the 2022-23 season.

On the other hand, Trabzonspor arrives in Budapest renewed after bouncing back from their European setback with a crucial domestic win.

Fatih Tekke’s side clinched a 2-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Sunday, with Mohamed Salah netting both goals in his first Super Lig start for the team.

Salah scored the opener in the eighth minute, taking advantage of a mistake by the goalkeeper, and later restored Trabzonspor’s lead just three minutes into the second half after Basaksehir had equalized through a penalty.

The Egyptian’s presence offers Trabzonspor a notable attacking dimension that was missing in the first leg, and his ability to create chances and challenge defenders on the right flank may lead Ferencvaros to exercise caution with their forward movements.

Trabzonspor’s record this season consists of one win, one draw, and one loss from their initial three matches, although they face issues with defensive stability, having conceded goals in every match thus far, and Nwaiwu’s suspension poses another dilemma for Tekke’s lineup.

Team News

Ferencvaros does not have any new injury issues to report and is expected to put forward a mostly unchanged lineup after a full week of preparation for the return leg.

Zachariassen is likely to keep his spot following his pivotal goal in Turquia, while Lenny Joseph is anticipated to add speed and movement to the attack.

Philippe Rommens and Marius Corbu are predicted to feature in central midfield, as Borbely will likely demand greater ball control from his team following an underwhelming 34% possession in the first leg.

Trabzonspor will be missing Nwaiwu due to his late red card, with Samet Akaydin expected to step in as a replacement in central defence.

Okay Yokuslu and Arseniy Batagov were unable to make the European squad owing to fitness issues, while Tim Jabol-Folcarelli continues to be sidelined with a knee injury.

There is also interest in Fabinho, who joined Trabzonspor on a two-year deal on Monday, reuniting with Salah in Turquia, but his arrival just two days prior to the second leg makes it hard to predict whether he will debut in Europe immediately.

Ferencvaros probable starting XI:

Drawing; Nagy, Gomez, Raemaekers, Cadu; Dele, Rommens, Corbu, O’Dowda; Joseph, Zachariassen

Trabzonspor probable starting XI:

Onana; Pina, Savic, Akaydin, Cabral; Bouchouari, Kabasakal; Salah, Nayir, Saviolo; Onuachu

With their advantage from the first leg and proficiency in defending slender leads, Ferencvaros emerges as slight favorites to finalize their advancement in Budapest.

It is anticipated that the visitors will have to push forward frequently, yet the hosts may find comfort in conceding possession and seeking opportunities on the counter, with Borbely’s squad equipped to maintain defensive discipline and remain unbeaten, progressing with a 2-1 overall victory.