Fenerbahce Takes On Liverpool: Everything You Need To Know Before The Clash

Liverpool will come face-to-face with a recognizable figure on the touchline in Istanbul this Wednesday, as Dirk Kuyt prepares to guide Fenerbahçe against his former side on Matchday 4 of the league phase.

Kuyt, who spent six seasons at Merseyside before departing for Türkiye in 2012, had been working as Ismail Kartal's assistant before the Fenerbahçe boss stepped down last week. The Dutch coach has taken over on a caretaker basis and described Wednesday's clash as a "very special occasion."

Fenerbahçe are experiencing their first genuine Champions League campaign since 2008–09, having dramatically edged past Lyon in the playoff qualifying round. However, they've managed only a couple of points so far, suffering a heavy loss at Aston Villa on Matchday 2.

Having previously attempted to leave his role in September, the club ultimately parted ways with Kartal following a 2–1 loss to fierce rivals Galatasaray on Oct. 26. Kuyt then oversaw a home defeat to Göztepe, leaving Fenerbahçe sixth in the Süper Lig and already nine points adrift of the league leaders.

They will look to exploit Liverpool's painful memories from recent trips to Istanbul, with the Reds having lost twice at Gala's RAMS Park last season. Such limp performances are unlikely to be repeated under Andoni Iraola, even if they were held scoreless by Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

There were certainly some bright spots in that narrow defeat, but Arsenal reminded Iraola's squad that challenging for the title may be beyond their reach this season.

Fenerbahçe vs. Liverpool Score Prediction

Reds Finally Win in Türkiye

Liverpool's two losses in Istanbul last season were dismal, though they bounced back emphatically by winning 4–0 in the return leg of their round of 16 tie against Galatasaray.

They head just seven miles down the road on Wednesday, with Fenerbahçe eager to snap out of their poor run with Liverpool cult hero Kuyt in charge. The hosts boast plenty of recognizable names, but their veteran-heavy squad has yet to click into gear.

The Reds haven't fully hit their stride under Iraola, despite a series of strong results at the start of his tenure (including three wins from three in this competition). They're showing cohesion in patches but struggling to maintain prolonged spells of dominance. Nevertheless, their first-half response after going behind against Arsenal was highly encouraging, suggesting Iraola's side aren't far off the mark.

That doesn't guarantee they won't stumble again in Istanbul.

Prediction: Fenerbahçe 1–2 Liverpool

Fenerbahçe Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Archie Brown, who earned Fenerbahçe a point against Roma on Matchday 1, was handed a three-match ban by the Turkish Football Federation's Professional Football Disciplinary Board for an incident involving Galatasaray defender Abdülkerim Bardakcı following the Istanbul Intercontinental Derby last week.

However, Brown's suspension applies only to the next three domestic fixtures, meaning he remains eligible for selection on Wednesday evening.

That said, the hosts are dealing with injury concerns, with notable names like Nathan Aké and Marco Asensio among those set to miss Liverpool's visit.

Kojo Peprah Oppong and Amara Diouf are both sidelined with muscular problems, while Jayden Oosterwolde faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a serious Achilles injury.

Fenerbahçe predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Semedo, Škriniar, Demir, Mercan; Guendouzi, Kanté; Aydın, Greenwood, Aktürkoglu; Lukaku.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Fenerbahçe

Liverpool's traveling squad to Istanbul does not include Ryan Gravenberch, who is injured. The Dutchman has been out of form recently, and youngster Trey Nyoni has stepped up to fill the void in midfield.

Nyoni could be handed another start on Wednesday, lining up alongside Alexis Mac Allister. Dominik Szoboszlai is also in contention after returning from injury against Arsenal.

Iraola is expected to rotate his squad following Sunday's disappointing defeat, with Rio Ngumoha — the standout performer in Liverpool's Matchday 3 victory over Villarreal — likely to return to the starting XI. Víctor Muñoz could also earn a place, though Alexander Isak is anticipated to keep his spot as the central striker.

Joe Gomez may be handed a rare defensive start amid Liverpool's right-back injury concerns, with Ronald Araújo shifting infield to partner Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Fenerbahçe (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araújo, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Muñoz, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Isak.

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