7M - Match Preview: Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce – Europa League knockout playoff second leg

Nottingham Forest host Fenerbahce at the City Ground on Thursday February 26, 2026 at 8.00pm local time, aiming to complete a commanding aggregate advantage. Forest carry a three-goal lead from the first leg in Istanbul, having won 3-0, and will look to advance to the last 16 with a solid display at home.

Forest are managed by Vitor Pereira, who has enjoyed a strong start since taking charge, and will be hopeful of extending their European control after their historic away win. The team's domestic form has been variable, but in Europe they have shown positive momentum, seeking to seal progression in front of their supporters.

Fenerbahce arrive needing a dramatic turnaround after the 3-0 deficit from the first leg. The Turkish side have endured inconsistency recently, with a string of injuries affecting key personnel. They will be without Andrija Zivkovic due to suspension, while Dejan Lovren, Dimitrios Pelkas, and other squad members face fitness concerns. Despite setbacks, Domenico Tedesco will aim to spark a comeback on the road and keep the tie alive.

Team News

Nottingham Forest: Missing Chris Wood, Nicolo Savona, John Victor, Willy Boly (all knee injuries) and Matz Sels (groin). Luca Netz is ineligible for the competition after the first leg. Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, Ryan Yates and Igor Jesus are among those vying for starting roles, with Jesus the Europa League top scorer this season (seven goals). Up front, Jesus is expected to partner Lorenzo Lucca or Morgan Gibbs-White may feature in support.

Fenerbahce: Injuries have hit the Yellow Canaries, with Milan Skriniar (groin), Caglar Soyuncu (muscle), Anderson Talisca, Ederson (hamstrings), and Edson Alvarez (ankle) sidelined. Jayden Oosterwolde is suspended, and Fred is also out due to yellow-card accumulation. Jiri Pavlenka is ruled out with a chest injury, while Kiril Despodov is hurt. Antonis Tsiftsis is expected to start in goal, with Kedziora and Michailidis at centre-back. Giorgos Giakoumakis could lead the line with support from a creative midfield.

Predicted starting lineups

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

Fenerbahce: Cetin; Semedo, Demir, Efe, Muldur; Brown, Guendouzi, Kante; Asensio, Cherif, Akturkoglu

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Fenerbahce (Forest to win 6-1 on aggregate)

Forest should press their advantage and capitalize on the visitors' injury woes, aiming to finish the tie emphatically. Fenerbahce will push for a comeback but face a tough task against a confident home side.