Liverpool v Fenerbahçe: Match preview

Liverpool and Fenerbahce meet for the first time ever when they get together for a Champions League tie in Turkey on November 4th. The match will also signify Liverpool’s 140th unique European opponent they have faced in club history. The Reds hope to stay unbeaten in the League Phase of the competition after losing a tight match with Arsenal the last time out in EPL play.

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Where to watch, TV channel and kickoff time

Liverpool team news and injury updates

Ryan Gravenberch did not make the 22-man traveling squad due to a heel injury. Andoni Iraola said in his press conference that Trey Nyoni has been playing well so he will pick up those minutes in the midfield. Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni remained sidelined with longer-term injuries.

“He is playing most of the games – or even all the games lately – so we trust him,” Iraola said of Nyoni “He is doing very well and I think we have to encourage him to continue – to continue improving, continue learning, continue adding experience. He is in a very good place.”

Opposition scout

Fenerbahce is near the bottom of the League Phase in 31st place with one loss and two draws. Even so, Iraola says Fenerbahce can still be dangerous.

“Fenerbahce is a team that has very good players,” he said. “In the midfield they have a very good technical level.

If we allow them a lot of time on the ball or we don’t press them properly, we are going to suffer. I think we have to be good in our press, I think we have to try to control the game, don’t allow them to win confidence, because also they are experienced players, they know how to play these kind of games in this competition. The stronger we start, the less chances we should give to Fenerbahce, because otherwise they are going to be dangerous.”

Specifically, Fenerbahce is led in scoring by Vedat Muriqi with 7 goals in 10 matches. Mason Greenwood is second on the club with four goals. Most of Fenerbahce’s success has come in the Turkish Super League with a 5-4-1 record while they have only scored three goals in Champions League play

Key tactical battle

As Iraola said, Fenerbahce has plenty of midfield talent. Those midfielders include Mattéo Guendouzi, N’Golo Kanté, İsmail Yüksek, and Mert Hakan Yandaş, with Marco Asensio and İrfan Can Kahveci operating in advanced attacking roles. Central depth is rounded out by Bartuğ Elmaz and Levent Mercan. That gives Fenerbahce a big advantage in depth with Gravenberch being out and Nyoni such a young player. Hopefully, the Reds can hold their own in the midfield and the advantages elsewhere can make the difference

Head-to-head record and recent meetings

As stated, this is the first meeting between the two clubs, but with the expanded Champions League format, it may not be the last. It’s important for Liverpool to represent not only the club but the EPL well, from the opening kick.

Score prediction and LFC Globe Verdict

If Liverpool can hold serve in the midfield, this should be an easy win. We will see if that prospect changes Iraola’s Starting XI coming off of a tough match vs. Arsenal. Make sure to check out our Projected XI to see our thoughts on the topic. My Prediction: 4-1 Liverpool

LFC Globe Predicts: Liverpool 4–1 Fenerbahçe

Have your say

Do you also see this as an easy win for the Reds? Drop a comment below.