7M - Preview: Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest - Prediction, Team News, and Lineups

Posted Wednesday, February 18, 2026 by 7M Sport

Fenerbahce and Nottingham Forest prepare to clash in a high-stakes UEFA knockout play-off first leg at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Wednesday night. This encounter marks a fascinating tactical battle between José Mourinho’s rejuvenated Turkish giants and a Forest side looking to translate their domestic resilience onto the European stage. With both teams desperate to secure a spot in the next round, the atmosphere in Istanbul is expected to be a major factor in this opening encounter.

The hosts enter the tie in formidable form, particularly at home, where they have transformed their stadium into a fortress. Mourinho has prioritized defensive solidity combined with rapid transitions, a strategy that has served them well in European competition this season. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, face the daunting task of navigating the "Hell of Istanbul" while managing a squad stretched thin by a mid-season injury crisis. Despite their defensive struggles away from home, the Premier League side remains a constant threat on the counter-attack, making this a potentially explosive matchup.

In terms of team news, Fenerbahce are in a strong position, missing only defender Archie Brown due to a long-term injury. The recent integration of January signings N’Golo Kanté and Matteo Guendouzi has added a layer of elite experience to their midfield. Nottingham Forest’s situation is more critical, with the visitors missing five key first-team players. Chris Wood, Willy Boly, and Matz Sels are all sidelined with various knee and hip issues, while winter recruits Stefan Ortega and Luca Netz are ineligible for this round. However, the return of Elliot Anderson from suspension provides a much-needed creative boost for the English side.

Fenerbahce are expected to start with Ederson in goal; a defensive line of Mert Müldür, Milan Skriniar, Jayden Oosterwolde, and Nelson Semedo; a midfield featuring Ismail Yüksek, Matteo Guendouzi, and N'Golo Kante; while Marco Asensio, Anderson Talisca, and Kerem Akturkoglu lead the line. Nottingham Forest’s predicted lineup sees Angus Gunn in goal; Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Morato, and Neco Williams in defense; Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson in the pivot; with Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi supporting striker Igor Jesus.

The prediction for this first leg leans toward a narrow home victory. While Forest possess the pace to hurt Fenerbahçe on the break, the sheer intensity of the Turkish crowd and Mourinho’s expertise in managing two-legged ties suggest a 2-1 or 2-0 win for the hosts. Fenerbahce’s superior squad depth and current momentum should see them take a vital lead to the City Ground, though Forest’s ability to scrap for a late away goal remains a significant danger.

Prediction