Preview: FC Twente vs Ferencvaros – prediction, team news, lineup

Eredivisie’s FC Twente will start theirs The Europa League on Thursday, when they welcome Ferencvaros of Hungary to De Grolsch Veste in the first leg of the second qualifying round.

The Tukkers will be confident after their strong pre-season so far, while the Greens will feel the same way following three consecutive wins before the game.

Game preview

John van den Brom’s Twente reached this stage by finishing fourth in the Dutch top flight last season, relegating after missing out on European football in 2025-26.

The Tukkers last appeared in UEFA competition in 2024-25, when they reached the knockout stage on points, last edged out 6-4 combined Bodo/Glimt after more time.

Hoping to start another strong continental campaign in 2026-27, Van den Bom’s side will take solace in the three wins they have amassed in preparation, as well as the fact they have lost just one of their five pre-season outings so far.

On Saturday, Twente played two friendly matches against Belgian side Gent, drawing 2-2 before losing the second 2-0.

Although the results were not very good, the Tukkers will be happy that former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst managed to score seven minutes into his unofficial debut in the heat of the moment.

Fans will be delighted with the 33-year-old’s inclusion in the squad for the game, and his presence will give hope to his supporters, along with their home side’s excellent record, which includes just two defeats at home since October 2025.

Meanwhile, Ferencvaros have appeared in the group or league stages of the UEFA competition every season since 2019-2020, but it remains to be seen whether new manager Balazs Borbely can take them to the playoffs this summer.

Borbely – a former youth team coach – took over at the Greens on June 1, replacing Robbie Keane following an All-Ireland title-winning 16-month spell in Hungary.

Thursday’s first leg marks the 46-year-old’s first game in charge of Ferencvaros, although he is yet to experience defeat in four pre-season games so far.

That stretch includes a draw and three wins, including a remarkable 1-0 win over Europa League side Qarabag FK, who reached the Champions League qualifiers last season.

Ferencvaros will be aware of the threat posed by Thursday’s opponents, but fans would be forgiven for feeling cautiously optimistic due to the combination of Borbely’s strong start, and the fact that the visitors have won three of their last four away games, losing one of their last five.

FC Twente friendly form:

Ferencvaros Europa League form:

Friendly form of Ferencvaros:

Team News

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Twente could be without goalkeeper Lars Unnerstall and defender Mees Hilgers on Thursday, as the pair recover from consecutive stomach and muscle injuries.

In their absence, Stav Lemkin and Robin Propper should start in the middle ahead of stopper Issam El Maach, or there is a chance Unnerstall could pass a late fitness test to be available.

At the opposite end of the pitch, new arrival Wout Weghorst will be ready to lead the line, provided by the attacking trio of Daan Rots, Kristian Hlynsson and Sondre Orjasaeter.

As for Ferencvaros, Daniel Arzani, who has won, is missing, having returned from Melbourne City on loan due to a hamstring injury.

The 27-year-old is set to return, although this week’s first leg will come too soon for him, so expect to see Kristoffer Zachariassen and Yusuf Bamidele supporting striker Lenny Joseph up top.

FC Twente likely to start qualifying:

El Maach; Van Rooij, Lemkin, Propper, Adelgaard; Kjolo, Van den Belt; Rots, Hlynsson, Orjasaeter; Weghorst

Ferencvaros starts with the order:

Dibusz; Osvath, Gomez, Raemaekers, Cadu; Kanichowski, Keita, Corbu; Zachariassen, Joseph, Bamidele

We say: FC Twente 1-1 Ferencvaros

Twente have been able to withstand home games in 2026, and even if they fail to win, they will expect to enter the second leg with a draw.

There are questions about Ferencvaros as their new manager begins to compete with the club, but plenty of Europa League experience in the squad will help the visitors in a tough game.

For data analysis of the most likely results, score lines and more for this game please click here.