Fenerbahce could be without several players when they host Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying play-off, but the Turkish side still possess significant experience and attacking quality.
Lyon reached this stage after eliminating Sparta Prague in the previous round. They now face a considerably stronger opponent in Istanbul, with Fenerbahce boasting a squad that includes Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Marco Asensio, Matteo Guendouzi and N’Golo Kante.
Fenerbahce may again have to manage without Dominik Livakovic, Nene Dorgeles, Ederson, Musamba and Jayden Oosterwolde, all of whom have been absent recently.
The Turkish club can nevertheless call on a number of high-profile players. Anderson Talisca has been particularly effective during the qualifying campaign, scoring four goals in four matches, and is expected to feature alongside Mason Greenwood in attack. Romelu Lukaku is another major addition to the squad, although he is not included in the predicted starting XI.
The expected Fenerbahce line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Mert Gunok
Defenders: Nelson Semedo, Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Archie Brown
Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Matteo Guendouzi, Marco Asensio
Forwards: Mason Greenwood, Anderson Talisca, Kerem Akturkoglu
Lyon are also expected to be missing several players for the match. Pavel Sulc, Bidstrup and Merah are all likely to be unavailable, while Nicolas Tagliafico remains a doubt.
New signing Bacher, who joined from Estoril, could make his debut. Despite losing several players during the summer, Lyon have strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Bidstrup, Julien Duranville, Bacher, Mohamed Ouedraogo, Kail Boudache and Lois Openda.
Corentin Tolisso is expected to operate in an advanced midfield role behind Openda, while Lewis Morton impressed during the previous qualifying round and could retain his place.
The expected Lyon line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Greif
Defenders: Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Kluivert, Moussa Niakhate, Abner
Midfielders: Lewis Morton, Tanner Tessmann, Corentin Tolisso
Forwards: Ernest Nuamah, Lois Openda, Malick Fofana
Fenerbahce will soon play host to Lyon for the first leg of the Champions League qualification play-off. The tie offers both clubs a route into the competition’s main stage, with the Istanbul side aiming to use their experience and attacking options to establish an advantage before the return fixture.
Betting company 1xBet lists Fenerbahce as favourites for the match, with a home win priced at 2.15. A draw is listed at 3.65, while Lyon are priced at 3.53 to win.
