<p><em>Fenerbahce and Nottingham Forest will meet for the very first time in the UEFA Europa League, with plenty already on the line on Friday, February 20, at 04:45 AEDT.</em></p> <p>The two teams failed to qualify automatically for the next stage of the competition, resulting in them both needing to gain access via the playoffs. It's a route many wouldn't have expected either team to have needed, given the strength of their squads, but this is where we're at. If you're looking to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-europa-league">bet on the Europa League</a>, this clash offers plenty of intrigue.</p> <p>So, what do we think will happen? Read on for our Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest betting predictions ahead of this first-leg tie…</p> <h2>Quick Picks</h2> <p><strong>Our pick: </strong>Fenerbahce Win And Draw</p> <p><strong>Value bet:</strong> Under 2.5 Goals</p> <p><strong>Long shot: </strong>Outright Draw</p> <h2>Betting Preview</h2> <p>With both teams yet to have faced each other and among the teams to be considered title contenders prior to the start of the competition, let's examine how the Group Phase went for each of them.</p> <p>Fenerbahce finished 19th in the table, with 12 points. They had three wins, three draws, and two defeats from their eight games. When looking at the four games played at home, they beat Nice (2-1), and Stuttgart (1-0), drew with Ferencvaros (1-1), and lost to Aston Villa (0-1) due to a first-half goal.</p> <p>Nottingham Forest finished in 13th, with 14 points. They are no longer managed by Sean Dyche, with Vítor Pereira in the dugout. It will be his first game in charge. Under Dyche (and Ange Postecoglou), the English side had four wins, two draws, and two defeats. Away from home, they secured a 2-2 draw with Real Betis, a 0-0 draw with Sturm Graz, a 2-1 win against FC Utrecht, and a 1-0 defeat to Braga. Forest have been one of the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/epl/predictions/epl-players-to-watch-2025">Premier League players to watch in 2025</a> stories this season, making their European run all the more compelling.</p> <h2>Betting Markets to Watch</h2> <p>The<strong> 'Under 2.5 Goals' </strong>market offers value in our opinion. We highlighted how Fenerbahce don't score many goals, while Forest don't travel with much prolificacy. The Turkish side netted 10 goals across eight games, with four coming at home. Forest netted 15 times, but only scored four away.</p> <p>A long shot that offers some betting value in this one is the <strong>draw</strong>. While we don't think it's unreasonable to back it, we think there's a greater chance of a winner occurring. Still, as you'll see with our value bet, we think the draw can happen. Fenerbahce had one at home, while Forest secured two on the road.</p> <p>With a new manager in charge of the team, there may be some unpredictability in this upcoming clash for the Turkish side. For those interested in <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer">soccer betting</a>, this managerial change adds an extra layer of uncertainty to consider.</p> <h2>Our Prediction</h2> <p>Check the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/uefa-competitions/uefa-europa-league/fenerbahce-v-nottm-forest-10144113">Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest betting odds</a> at Sportsbet.</p> <p>As we alluded to earlier, we think there is value in the draw, but believe the<strong> 'Double Chance'</strong> market of<strong> 'Fenerbahce And Draw'</strong> offers better value. We believe the Turkish side has a greater chance of winning this game, despite the prospect of a draw being very real.</p> <p>Fenerbahce have been strong at home, and we think this could be enough of an edge, despite the possibility of a new manager bounce for the visitors. If you're new to this type of wagering, our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/premier-league-betting-guide">Premier League betting guide</a> covers many of the same principles that apply here.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-uefa-champions-league">How to bet on the Champions League like a pro</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/what-is-xg-soccer-explained">What xG actually tells us (and what it doesn't)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/epl-betting-form-stats-analysis">The stats that actually matter when betting on Premier League matches</a></li> </ul>