Fenerbahce vs Liverpool preview: Gravenberch out as Reds face Kuyt reunion, predicted line-ups and prediction

← Back to Match CentreFenerbahce v Liverpool

Liverpool head to Fenerbahce on Wednesday looking to protect their perfect Champions League record and respond to Sunday’s defeat by Arsenal, with former Anfield favourite Dirk Kuyt standing in their way.

This Fenerbahce vs Liverpool preview covers the team news, predicted line-ups and our prediction for the meeting in Istanbul. Kick-off at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium is at 5.45pm GMT on Wednesday 4 November.

Andoni Iraola’s side have won their opening three league-phase matches, scoring 12 goals. Another victory would take them to 12 points halfway through their eight-game programme.

Our Fenerbahce vs Liverpool viewing guide has the UK broadcast and streaming details.

Kuyt reunion adds intrigue to Liverpool’s Istanbul trip

Kuyt is in interim charge of Fenerbahce, who remain without a win in this season’s league phase. Draws with Roma and Slavia Prague came either side of a heavy defeat at Aston Villa.

Liverpool’s task is to prevent the hosts turning the occasion into an uncomfortable evening. An early spell of pressure would give Fenerbahce’s supporters something to seize upon, particularly against a visiting midfield missing Ryan Gravenberch.

Iraola has identified Liverpool’s work without the ball as central to his selection. In the club’s pre-match team news, he stressed the importance of denying Fenerbahce’s experienced midfield time to play.

Fenerbahce vs Liverpool team news

Gravenberch has not travelled because of a heel injury. Liverpool have confirmed a 22-man squad, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Trey Nyoni and Alexis Mac Allister among Iraola’s midfield options.

Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike are also unavailable. Ronald Araujo is an option at right-back, while Joe Gomez offers another route to changing the defence.

Fenerbahce have concerns at centre-back. Jayden Oosterwolde and Kojo Peprah Oppong are unavailable, Nathan Ake is a doubt and Marco Asensio is sidelined following a knee problem.

Fenerbahce vs Liverpool predicted line-ups

These are Dave.Sport’s predicted teams, not confirmed starting line-ups.

Fenerbahce predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Muldur, Skriniar, Brown, Mercan; Kante, Guendouzi; Greenwood, Kahveci, Aydin; Lukaku.

Liverpool predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Barcola, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

We expect Iraola to retain Isak and much of his established attacking unit. Szoboszlai provides a strong alternative if the manager prioritises fresh legs and pressing intensity in midfield.

Dave.Sport prediction: Fenerbahce 1-2 Liverpool

Liverpool should have enough attacking quality to exploit a depleted defence, but their pressing needs to be coordinated. If the first challenge is beaten, Fenerbahce have the experience to play through the space behind it.

We expect a closer contest than the teams’ European records might suggest, with Liverpool’s forwards making the difference.

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