Young Boys v Fenerbache
Football : Champions League, 3rd Qualifying Round
Wednesday 28 July 2010 - Kickoff 7:15pm

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Young Boys

Young Boys finished behind Basel in the Swiss Super League last season, the 3rd consecutive 2nd place finish for the side, and that once again means they have the opportunity to begin their European campaign in the Champions League. They only lost out on the League title by 3 points and ended the season with a 15-2-1 record at home, their only defeat being against Basel 0-2.

The Swiss side played in the Europa League Qualification section last season as the 2nd placed side in Switzerland were not eligible for the Champions League, and they were unlucky in losing to Athletic Bilbao on away goals. They now protect a 7 match unbeaten run at home in European competition and this includes visits from Club Brugge, Marseille, Lens and Bilbao.

Emmanuel Mayuka signed for Young Boys during the World Cup and he has some big boots to fill after the Swiss side were forced to sell Seydou Doumbia, the Ivory Coast international players, to CSKA Moscow. Doumbia's 50 goals from 64 appearances will be tough to replace for Young Boys.

Fenerbache

The Turkish side finished 2nd in their own domestic league last season to surprise Champions Bursaspor, and that means that Fenerbache will have to qualify for their place in the Champions League group stages. Fenerbache missed out on the title by 1 point last season and compiled a 10-3-4 record away from home in their domestic league.

The Turkish side also had a strong run in the Europa League although they did eventually fall in the last 32 against Lille of France. They were 4-1-1 in their away games as they progressed and managed impressive looking wins at Twente, the Dutch Champions last season, and Steaua Bucharest.

Miroslav Stoch was signed from Chelsea this Summer to provide more attacking options for the side. Issiar Dia has also arrived this Summer while the Turkish side are still being linked with strengthening their squad further.

Prediction

Young Boys have been consistent in the Swiss League over the last few seasons but are yet to have a real impact in the European competitions although they have received some tough draws. They have proved a stubborn team to beat in Switzerland and I expect them to provide the Turkish team a test, even though the loss of Doumbia is going to be tough to overcome I feel.

Fenerbache had to fight through a couple of Qualifying rounds the last time they entered this competition so they have the pedigree and experience to do so again. They have strengthened their squad this Summer although there are still rumours circulating of more to come in before the deadline passes. They did perform well in away games last season in European competition and would surely be happy with any kind of result they can pick up here.

I feel it is hard to justify Fenerbache being odds-on in some bookies at a tough venue. While I agree the Turkish league is a stronger domestic competition than the Swiss League, we have seen some good European performances from sides like Zurich and Basel in recent seasons to suggest Young Boys will be no pushovers.

Add to this the fact that they have played tough competition at home in recent seasons in Europe without suffering a defeat, I feel Young Boys can avoid defeat again. Young Boys at + 1 on the English handicap looks like it may provide some profit.

The Pick :

Young Boys 1-1 Fenerbache

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Young Boys + 1 English Handicap @ 1.8 (Bet365)