Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

The tie is made even spicier by the return of former Fenerbahce boss Vitor Pereira to the club, in what will be his first game in charge of the English side.

• Fenerbahce or draw double chance

• Under 2.5 goals

• Over 3.5 cards

Locked in a fierce domestic title race, Fenerbahce arrive in strong rhythm after putting together four consecutive league victories since the European league phase ended. 

Their overall 2026 form has been impressive too (W8, D2), although the only blemish came on home soil against English opposition when they were beaten by Aston Villa FC in their most recent European outing. 

That setback aside, the Yellow Canaries can take confidence from the fact they have never lost back-to-back Europa League matches at home and were unbeaten in the five continental fixtures before that (W3, D2).

Forest’s campaign, on the other hand, has been anything but stable. The departure of Sean Dyche last week made him the third manager to leave the club this season, paving the way for Pereira’s return to the dugout. 

Despite a recent winless run (D2, L1), Forest have still picked up more league points than under their previous two bosses combined, and history suggests Pereira often sparks an instant reaction, having won his first match in each of his last seven managerial roles.

This will be the first competitive meeting between the sides, though Fenerbahce have struggled historically against English opposition in Europe, recording just five wins from 20 attempts (D4, L11), while Forest are facing Turkish opposition for the first time.

Fenerbahce will be without Archie Brown due to injury, making him the only confirmed absentee for the hosts.

Kerem Akturkoglu has been the standout man for the Turkish side in this competition, registering four Europa League goals and five direct goal contributions across his last three outings, scoring three and assisting two. 

Meanwhile, Forest travel missing Chris Wood, Matz Sels, John Victor and Willy Boly. Murillo and Nicolo Savona are also fitness doubts.

The English side will look to Igor Jesus, who has scored nine times in cup competitions this season, six of those coming in the Europa League, leaving him just one behind the tournament’s leading marksman.

Fenerbahce predicted lineup: Ederson; Semedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Muldur; Kante, Guendouzi, Yuksek; Asensio; Talisca, Akturkoglu

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup: Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus

With Fenerbahce boasting strong home form and Forest adjusting once again to life under a new manager, this first leg looks set to be finely balanced, though the Turkish side may just hold the early edge in Istanbul.

Correct score prediction: Fenerbahce 1-0 Nottingham Forest