| Liverpool vs Fenerbahce | |
| MATCH | UEFA |
| DATE | 04 - 11 - 2026 |
| TIME | 11.15 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Turki |
Fenerbahce vs Liverpool: Match Preview, Team News and Prediction
Match Preview
Fenerbahce will be looking to end their difficult run of form when they welcome Liverpool to Istanbul for their upcoming UEFA Champions League encounter on Wednesday.
The Turkish side are currently under the leadership of interim manager Dirk Kuyt, who took charge following Ismail Kartal's resignation last month.
Kuyt, a familiar face to Liverpool supporters, spent six years at Anfield, scoring 71 goals in 285 appearances for the Reds. However, the former Dutch international will now be hoping to guide Fenerbahce to a memorable European victory against his former club.
The Yellow Canaries appointed Kuyt on October 28 after suffering a 2-1 defeat against fierce rivals Galatasaray. Unfortunately, the new manager's first match in charge also ended in disappointment, as Fenerbahce were beaten 2-1 by Goztepe on Saturday.
Fenerbahce are still searching for their first victory in this season's Champions League league phase. They opened their European campaign with a 1-1 draw against Roma before suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat to Aston Villa. A subsequent 2-2 draw with Slavia Prague left the Istanbul outfit without a win after three matches.
Despite their disappointing European campaign, Fenerbahce can draw encouragement from their home performances. The Turkish giants have lost just once in their last five matches at home, and they will be hoping to use their passionate supporters to their advantage against Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have enjoyed a promising spell under Andoni Iraola, although their recent defeat against Arsenal has brought their winning momentum to an end.
Following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Manchester City on October 11, the Reds responded with five consecutive victories across all competitions.
Their impressive run included a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion and a penalty shootout triumph against Chelsea in the EFL Cup.
Liverpool also made a strong start to their Champions League campaign, collecting six points from their opening two fixtures. They recorded an emphatic 6-3 victory over LASK before producing a dramatic comeback to defeat Villarreal 4-3 on October 20.
However, their momentum was halted on Sunday when Arsenal secured a controversial 1-0 victory at Anfield. The defeat highlighted some of Liverpool's difficulties when facing well-organised defensive opponents.
Nevertheless, the Merseyside club will travel to Istanbul with confidence, having remained unbeaten away from home throughout the 2026-27 campaign. They have won four and drawn one of their five away matches, scoring 13 goals in the process.
Liverpool currently sit third in the Champions League standings with nine points, and another victory would strengthen their position in the race for automatic qualification to the last 16.
With Fenerbahce desperate to secure their first European victory and Liverpool eager to return to winning ways, Wednesday's encounter promises to be an entertaining contest.
Team News
Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce are expected to be without several defensive players for their meeting with Liverpool.
Jayden Oosterwolde remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Kojo Peprah Oppong is also a doubt after being forced off during the defeat against Goztepe.
Former Manchester City defender Nathan Ake is another concern for the hosts, with the Dutchman struggling with a muscle problem.
In their absence, Archie Brown and Milan Skriniar could form the central defensive partnership, with Mert Muldur and Munir Levent Mercan potentially operating as full-backs.
Marco Asensio is unavailable after it was revealed last month that he would require knee surgery.
However, Fenerbahce are expected to have several attacking options available, with Mason Greenwood, Irfan Can Kahveci and Oguz Aydin potentially operating behind striker Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgian forward will be hoping to make a significant impact against Liverpool's injury-hit defence.
Liverpool
Liverpool have suffered another injury setback ahead of their trip to Turkey, with Ryan Gravenberch ruled out due to a heel problem.
Centre-back Giovanni Leoni remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Reds are also without right-back options Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, who are recovering from knee and hamstring injuries respectively.
Ronald Araujo could therefore continue at right-back, alongside Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk in central defence, with Kostas Tsimikas potentially featuring on the opposite flank.
In attack, Lewis Koumas could be handed an opportunity to start in place of Alexander Isak.
Hugo Ekitike remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation from the Achilles injury he suffered in April.
Liverpool will be hoping their available attacking players can deliver another strong performance despite the absence of several important squad members.
Match Outlook
Fenerbahce will be determined to make the most of their home advantage as they attempt to secure their first Champions League victory of the campaign.
Kuyt's familiarity with Liverpool could provide an additional tactical dimension, although his side will need to improve defensively after conceding heavily in their previous European fixtures.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will look to control possession and exploit the spaces left by the hosts. Their impressive away record and superior Champions League form make them favourites, but Fenerbahce's attacking quality means the visitors cannot afford to become complacent.
The Turkish side's defensive injuries could prove particularly costly against a Liverpool team capable of creating opportunities from multiple areas of the pitch.
Conclusion
Fenerbahce will be eager to deliver a positive result under their new interim manager, but Liverpool's stronger European campaign and impressive away performances give them the advantage.
The Reds will be looking to bounce back from their defeat against Arsenal and strengthen their position in the Champions League standings.
Although Fenerbahce could make life difficult for the visitors, Liverpool's attacking quality should give them enough opportunities to secure all three points.
Prediction: Fenerbahce 1-2 Liverpool