Fenerbahce welcome Lyon to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League playoff. Seven league-phase places remain, and both clubs are now one tie away from returning to Europe's elite competition.
The Turkish runners-up negotiated two qualifying rounds without defeat, eliminating Gornik Zabrze before beating Sturm Graz 3-0 on aggregate. However, Ismail Kartal's side enter this contest after a surprise 2-1 league defeat to Genclerbirligi, despite Anderson Talisca extending his scoring run to five consecutive matches.
Lyon needed a comeback to survive the third qualifying round. Paulo Fonseca's men lost 2-1 away to Sparta Prague but responded with a 3-0 victory in France after their opponents were reduced to 10 men. Les Gones have not appeared in the Champions League proper since reaching the semi-finals in 2019-20.
Fenerbahce vs Lyon: Key Stats
Fenerbahce are unbeaten in four Champions League qualifiers this season, winning three and drawing one
The Turkish side have scored five goals and conceded only once across those four matches
Anderson Talisca has scored in all four of Fenerbahce's Champions League qualifiers
Lyon overturned a 2-1 first-leg defeat to eliminate Sparta Prague 4-2 on aggregate
Fenerbahce have never beaten Lyon in five competitive meetings: four defeats and one draw
Photo Credit (UEFA)
What to Expect
Fenerbahce should return to the XI that completed the job against Sturm Graz. With Ederson and Mert Gunok unavailable, Ertugrul Cetin is expected in goal, while Nathan Ake can partner Milan Skriniar because Caglar Soyuncu and Jayden Oosterwolde are injury doubts. Nelson Semedo and Archie Brown should provide the width from full-back.
Matteo Guendouzi and N'Golo Kante give the hosts experience and control in midfield. Ahead of them, Mason Greenwood, Marco Asensio and Kerem Akturkoglu can interchange behind Talisca. Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to be registered in time, while Vedat Muriqi offers a more conventional centre-forward option from the bench.
Lyon are likely to retain the 3-4-2-1 system that inspired their second-leg recovery against Sparta. Tyler Morton and Tanner Tessmann should anchor the midfield, allowing Corentin Tolisso to move closer to Lois Openda. The visitors will look to bypass Fenerbahce's press quickly, but injuries to Pavel Sulc, Khalis Merah and Mads Bistrup reduce Fonseca's options.
Predicted Lineups
Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1)
Cetin; Semedo, Skriniar, Ake, Brown; Guendouzi, Kante; Greenwood, Asensio, Akturkoglu; Talisca
Lyon (3-4-2-1)
Greif; Mata, Niakhate, Kluivert; Maitland-Niles, Morton, Tessmann, Ouedraogo; Abner, Tolisso; Openda
Players to Watch
Anderson Talisca - Fenerbahce's outstanding performer in qualifying has scored in all four Champions League matches and in five consecutive appearances overall. His left foot, movement between the lines and set-piece threat make him the hosts' clearest match-winner.
Mason Greenwood - Gives Fenerbahce a direct threat from the right and can punish Lyon whenever their wing-backs advance. His ability to shoot with either foot also makes it difficult for defenders to show him away from goal.
Corentin Tolisso - Lyon's captain responded to his missed penalty in Prague by creating a goal in the second leg. His timing around the penalty area and experience in high-pressure European matches will be vital in Istanbul.
Lois Openda - The Belgian striker gives Lyon the pace to threaten Fenerbahce on the counterattack. He drew the red card that changed the second leg against Sparta and can cause similar problems by attacking the space behind Ake and Skriniar.
Prediction
Prediction: Fenerbahce to win @ 2.19
Fenerbahce have been far more convincing in Europe than their domestic setback suggests. They are unbeaten across four qualifiers, have conceded only once and won both home legs. Talisca's scoring form and the support inside the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium give Kartal's side a significant first-leg advantage.
Lyon deserve respect after their comeback against Sparta, but the 3-0 second-leg win was shaped by an early red card and Fonseca is still working with a reduced squad. Fenerbahce have more established attacking options and greater midfield experience, making a narrow home victory the preferred selection. A 2-1 scoreline looks plausible.
