Unai Emery believes Fenerbahce are one of the favourites to win the Europa League, as Aston Villa prepare to face the Turkish outfit on Thursday.

Villa are third in the league phase of the competition after six games (W5 L1), with a win in Turkiye potentially securing their spot in the last 16.

Villa’s last European match against a side from Turkiye saw them beat Trabzonspor 2-1 in the UEFA Cup in November 1994, although they were eliminated on the away goals rule in that tie, following a 2-2 draw on aggregate.

Fenerbahce have lost both of their previous major European meetings with Villa, losing 4-0 in the first leg and 2-0 in the second leg of the first round of the 1977-78 UEFA Cup.

And this will be Emery’s 100th match in the Europa League (since 2009-10), becoming the first manager to reach that milestone. Indeed, the nearest manager to Emery in terms of games in the competition is Jorge Jesus, on 68.

“Fenerbahce are [a] very recognised team in Europe, always playing in the Champions League, in the Europa League,” said Emery.

“And of course, they are clearly candidates to be here at the end, at the moment in this competition.

“Of course, tomorrow, they have 11 points. For them, it’s a very important, the match.

“For us, we have the advantage to get in the top eight, but if they win tomorrow, against us, they can also have that possibility to make the top eight.

“Of course, it’s a very difficult match, and they have a very good team, a historic team, an experienced team.

“They have very good players. They have a fantastic atmosphere here with their supporters, very passionate supporters. We respect them a lot.”