Nottm Forest vs Fenerbahçe: Europa League Showdown – Live Updates
Welcome to live coverage of the Europa League clash between Nottingham Forest and Fenerbahçe, kicking off at 8pm GMT. Forest faces a significant challenge as they aim to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg, while Fenerbahçe looks to secure their place in the last 16.
Team Lineups
Nottingham Forest (5-4-1):
- Ortega
- Williams
- Morato
- Murillo
- Jair Cunha
- Hutchinson
- McAtee
- Anderson
- Yates
- Dominguez
- Lucca
Substitutes: Gunn, Willows, Sangaré, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Ndoye, Igor Jesus, Bakwa, Milenkovic, Aina, Abbott.
Fenerbahçe (4-3-3):
- Tarık
- Mert Müldür
- Guendouzi
- Yiğit Efe
- Archie Brown
- Kante
- İsmail Yüksek
- Oğuz Aydın
- Nene
- Cherif
- Kerem Aktürkoğlu
Substitutes: Engin Can Biterge, Hulusi Ceylan, Asensio, Mercan, Nélson Semedo, Alettin Ekici, Kamil Efe Üregen.
Pre-Match Analysis
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has opted to retain Elliot Anderson in the starting XI, despite the temptation to rest him ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League match against Liverpool. The manager clearly recognizes the need to avoid a collapse and believes Anderson, alongside Murillo, are key to maintaining defensive solidity.
Fenerbahçe, however, are grappling with a significant injury crisis. Key players Ederson, Oosterwolde, and Caglar Soyuncu are all sidelined, leading to a surprising inclusion of Matteo Guendouzi at centre-back. Despite the defensive reshuffle, Fenerbahçe boasts the midfield prowess of N’Golo Kanté and the attacking threat of Marco Asensio (on the bench) and Nelson Semedo.
Vitor Pereira has made six changes to the Fenerbahçe lineup, signaling a potential tactical shift. With a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg, Fenerbahçe appears confident in their ability to advance to the last 16, where they will face either Midtjylland or Real Betis.
Forest’s Turbulent Season & Potential
Despite a challenging Premier League campaign that has seen the dismissal of multiple managers, Nottingham Forest still possesses a squad capable of competing at a high level. The team retains the core of players who achieved success last season, supplemented by new additions like Omari Hutchinson and Igor Jesus. Their solid defense, strong midfield, and reliable goalscorer provide a foundation for a potential Europa League run.
The question surrounding Vitor Pereira’s future remains a significant talking point. Can he maintain his position long enough to guide Fenerbahçe through the knockout stages?
Match Details
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
Kick-off: 8pm GMT
Stay tuned for live updates throughout the match!
For more in-depth football coverage, visit ESPN Soccer and UEFA Europa League Official Website.
