Osmanlispor vs FC Zurich: Preview and Prediction

Osmanlispor vs FC Zurich
UEFA Europa League – Matchday 6
Date: Thursday, 8th December 2016,
Kick-Off at 16:00 UK
Venue: Osmanlı Stadium, Ankara.

Relatively unknown Turkish Super Lig outfit Osmanlispor are having an excellent debut season in the Europa League group stage. And they will be coming to matchday 6 sitting top of Group L. However, a progress beyond the group phase is not yet guaranteed for them as all the four teams in the group have equal chance of qualification.

Osmanlispor have 7 points, while Steaua Bucuresti, Villarreal and FC Zurich have 6 points. The final group game on Thursday is more like a one-off knockout match. A draw will be enough for the Osmanlispor, while their Thursday’s opponent FC Zurich need nothing less than a win.

The Turkish team are unbeaten at home in this season’s Europa League starting from the qualifying phase. They have won in 4 of the 5 matches, while they drew 2-2 against Villarreal on matchday 4, which is the only time they conceded a goal at home. They lost 2-1 to Steaua Bucharest away from home on matchday 5.

FC Zurich’s lone win in the group stage came at home against Osmanlispor on matchday 2 by a 2-1 margin. They have since draw their remaining three games, the latest a 1-1 draw against Villarreal.

Osmanlispor vs FC Zurich: Head-to-head stats

• The first leg clash which was won by Zurich 2-1 is the only meeting between the two sides.
• Osmanlispor haven’t me any other teams from Switzerland in UEFA competitions.
• FC Zurich have lost in their 2 previous visits to Turkey. The overall record from 6 matches is 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses.

Osmanlispor vs FC Zurich: Prediction

Osmanlıspor had certainly made their home ground a fortress and were beaten only once since the beginning of 2016. They have picked up 16 wins and 5 draws from the 22 matches during the period. It is very clear that the Osmanli Stadium in Ankara is a very difficult place for visiting teams, especially with a hostile home fans acting as a 12th man.

Also Zurich’s away record in Europa League is nothing to write about. They had won only once in the last 12 away fixtures, losing 8. Based on the above analysis, we can confidently back the hosts to come out with another win.