Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: Fenerbahce will likely defeat Nottingham Forest 2-1 in the Europa League knockout round playoff first leg at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on February 19, 2026, as the Turkish side enters with superior home form, four consecutive domestic victories, and a fully fit attacking lineup, while Forest struggles with multiple defensive injuries including Chris Wood, Matz Sels, and potentially Murillo, making their first visit to Turkey under new manager Vitor Pereira challenging despite Igor Jesus scoring six goals in six Europa League matches this season.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Europa League – Knockout Round Playoff (First Leg) |
| Date | Thursday, February 19, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 11:15 PM IST |
| Venue | Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey |
| Current Form | Fenerbahce: W-W-W-W-D / Nottingham Forest: W-D-L-D-L |
| League Phase Finish | Fenerbahce: 19th (12 points) / Nottingham Forest: 13th (14 points) |
Key Facts
- Fenerbahce and Nottingham Forest will meet for the first time in their history on Thursday night in Istanbul.
- Nottingham Forest finished higher than Fenerbahce in the Europa League League Phase standings, securing 14 points compared to the Turkish side’s 12 points.
- Fenerbahce remains unbeaten in 22 domestic league matches this season and sits just three points behind leaders Galatasaray.
- Vitor Pereira takes charge of Nottingham Forest for the first time after his appointment last week, facing his former club Fenerbahce where he managed two separate spells.
- Fenerbahce has won their last four domestic matches, scoring 11 goals in the process.
- Nottingham Forest struggled in their last Premier League outing, managing 35 shots against Wolves but failing to score in a 0-0 draw.
- The Yellow Canaries have never lost consecutive home games in European competition.
- Igor Jesus has scored six goals in six Europa League appearances this season for Nottingham Forest.
- Anderson Talisca and Kerem Akturkoglu have combined for 80% of Fenerbahce’s Europa League goals this campaign with four goals each.
- Fenerbahce has won only four of 21 historical matches against English opposition.
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Preview
The first leg of this knockout round playoff takes place at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul.
Fenerbahce hosts Nottingham Forest on February 19, 2026, with the match scheduled for 11:15 PM Indian Standard Time. The winner of this two-legged tie advances to the Europa League Round of 16.
Domenico Tedesco’s Fenerbahce side enters this contest with momentum from domestic competition.
The Turkish giants have maintained an unbeaten record through 22 Super Lig matches, though they stumbled in the Europa League League Phase, winning just one of their final five fixtures.
Their 1-1 draw with FCSB on matchday eight secured their playoff spot, but the 19th-place finish suggests vulnerability.
Nottingham Forest arrives in Turkey under new management. Vitor Pereira replaces Sean Dyche, who was dismissed after a goalless draw with Wolves.
The Portuguese manager has won his opening match in each of his last seven managerial appointments, which provides optimism for the Tricky Trees.
Forest secured 13th place in the League Phase with four wins, two draws, and two defeats.
Team News and Injuries
Fenerbahce Injury Report
Archie Brown remains sidelined with a leg injury and will miss the first leg.
Domenico Tedesco has added January signings N’Golo Kante, Matteo Guendouzi, and Sidiki Cherif to the Europa League squad. However, fellow new recruits Anthony Musaba and Mert Gunok were not included in the updated roster.
The former Chelsea midfielder Kante and ex-Arsenal player Guendouzi are expected to start in central midfield alongside either Fred or Ismail Yuksek.
Milan Skriniar and Jayden Oosterwolde should form the center-back partnership, protecting goalkeeper Ederson.
Nottingham Forest Injury Report
Forest faces significant injury concerns heading into this crucial tie.
Chris Wood, Nicolo Savona, John Victor, and Willy Boly all suffer from knee injuries and will not travel to Turkey.
Matz Sels remains out with a hip problem, ruling out the first-choice goalkeeper.
January signings Stefan Ortega and Luca Netz were not included in Forest’s updated Europa League squad. However, Lorenzo Lucca, Omari Hutchinson, and Jair Cunha have been added.
The 6-foot-7-inch striker Lucca could make his debut, though Igor Jesus poses strong competition for the starting position.
Murillo’s availability remains uncertain due to a calf injury that kept him out of the last two matches. If the Brazilian defender cannot feature, Morato will partner Nikola Milenkovic in central defense.
Angus Gunn is set to make his Forest debut in goal, having joined on a free transfer last summer without making an appearance until now.
Predicted Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Lineups Tactical Analysis and Formations
Fenerbahce Expected Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defense: Semedo, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Muldur
- Midfield: Yuksek, Guendouzi, Kante
- Attack: Asensio, Talisca, Akturkoglu
Fenerbahce employs an attacking 4-3-3 formation that emphasizes width and creativity.
Anderson Talisca operates as the central striker with 21 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.
The Brazilian provides the focal point for attacks, while Kerem Akturkoglu and Marco Asensio offer pace and technical quality from wide positions.
The midfield trio brings experience and energy. Kante’s defensive work rate complements Guendouzi’s box-to-box capabilities, while Yuksek provides additional steel.
This setup allows Fenerbahce to control possession and transition quickly into attack.
Nottingham Forest Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Gunn
- Defense: Aina, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams
- Midfield: Anderson, Sangare
- Attacking Midfield: Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi
- Forward: Jesus
Vitor Pereira will likely implement a 4-2-3-1 system that prioritizes defensive stability while maintaining attacking threat.
Igor Jesus leads the line after his impressive Europa League campaign with six goals.
Morgan Gibbs-White operates as the creative hub behind the striker, supported by Dan Ndoye and Callum Hudson-Odoi on the flanks.
The double pivot of Elliot Anderson and Ibrahim Sangare provides defensive cover, allowing the full-backs to push forward.
This balanced approach suits Forest’s counter-attacking style and helps manage the hostile atmosphere in Istanbul.
Key Players to Watch
Anderson Talisca (Fenerbahce)
The Brazilian striker has been exceptional this season with 21 goals. His physical presence and clinical finishing make him the primary goal threat.
Talisca’s ability to hold up play and bring wingers into dangerous positions will test Forest’s makeshift defense.
Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)
The forward has scored six goals in six Europa League matches this season, demonstrating remarkable efficiency.
His movement and finishing could prove decisive, especially if Forest adopts a counter-attacking approach.
N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce)
The former Chelsea midfielder brings Champions League-winning experience to Fenerbahce’s midfield.
His energy and tactical intelligence will be crucial in controlling the tempo and breaking up Forest’s attacks.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
The creative midfielder must orchestrate Forest’s attacking play in Pereira’s first match. His vision and passing range will be essential for unlocking Fenerbahce’s defense.
Head-to-Head Analysis
These clubs have never faced each other before, making this tie particularly intriguing.
However, Fenerbahce’s record against English opposition provides context.
The Turkish side has won only four of 21 matches against English clubs, with their most recent victory coming against Manchester United in the 2016-17 Europa League group stage (2-1 at home).
Nottingham Forest collected five points from three away matches in the League Phase (one win, two draws, one loss), demonstrating their capability on the road.
Fenerbahce secured seven of their 12 League Phase points at home, though their defeat to Aston Villa ended a five-game unbeaten European run at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Statistical Comparison
Fenerbahce scored 10 goals in eight League Phase matches, with Talisca and Akturkoglu contributing eight between them.
Forest netted 15 goals across their eight fixtures, showing greater attacking diversity. The Tricky Trees won four matches compared to Fenerbahce’s three wins and three draws.
In domestic competition, Fenerbahce’s unbeaten 22-game streak in the Super Lig contrasts sharply with Forest’s struggles. The English side sits 17th in the Premier League, just three points above the relegation zone with 12 matches remaining.
Current Standings
Europa League League Phase Final Standings (Relevant Positions):
- 13th: Nottingham Forest – 14 points (4W-2D-2L, +8 goal difference)
- 19th: Fenerbahce – 12 points (3W-3D-2L, +3 goal difference)
Both teams qualified for the knockout round playoffs, missing automatic Round of 16 qualification. The winners of this tie will face one of the teams that finished between 9th and 16th in the next round.
Where to Watch Live?
Indian viewers can watch the match live on tabii. The broadcaster holds official rights for the Europa League in India. Global coverage spans multiple continents with various broadcasters holding regional rights. In Turkey, TRT 1 and tabii will broadcast the match domestically. British fans can watch on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
Fenerbahce enters this match with superior form and home advantage. Their four consecutive domestic victories and the hostile atmosphere at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium provide significant advantages.
However, Nottingham Forest’s higher League Phase finish and Igor Jesus’s scoring form cannot be ignored.
Vitor Pereira’s familiarity with Fenerbahce could prove valuable, though his lack of preparation time with Forest presents challenges.
The injury crisis affecting Forest’s defense and goalkeeping positions weakens their chances of securing a positive result in Istanbul.
The tactical battle between Tedesco’s attacking approach and Pereira’s likely defensive setup will determine the outcome.
Fenerbahce’s ability to break down organized defenses at home, combined with Forest’s injury problems, suggests the Turkish side will claim a narrow victory.
A 2-1 scoreline appears likely, giving Fenerbahce an advantage for the second leg at the City Ground while keeping the tie competitive.
The return leg on February 26 will prove crucial, as Forest’s home form and potential injury returns could shift the balance.
However, Thursday night in Istanbul belongs to Fenerbahce, whose momentum and squad depth should overcome Forest’s resilience.
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FAQs
Where To Watch Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Live?
Indian viewers can watch Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest live on tabii streaming platform on February 19, 2026, while British fans can access the Europa League knockout playoff match through TNT Sports 1 and discovery+, and Turkish audiences can view it on TRT 1 and tabii domestically with global coverage spanning over 100 countries through official broadcasters including Paramount+ in the USA and DAZN in Canada.
Who Will Win Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Match?
Fenerbahce holds the advantage to win against Nottingham Forest in the first leg due to their unbeaten 22-game domestic streak, four consecutive victories scoring 11 goals, home advantage at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium where they rarely lose consecutive European matches, and Forest’s defensive crisis with Chris Wood, Matz Sels, Willy Boly, and potentially Murillo unavailable, though new manager Vitor Pereira’s familiarity with Fenerbahce from his previous two managerial spells could provide tactical insights.
What is Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Match Kick-Off Time?
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest kicks off at 11:15 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, marking the first leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout round playoff tie with the return leg scheduled for February 26, 2026, at the City Ground in Nottingham.
Are There Any Injuries in Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Match?
Nottingham Forest faces severe injury problems with goalkeeper Matz Sels (hip), striker Chris Wood (knee), defenders Nicolo Savona (knee), John Victor (knee), and Willy Boly (knee) all ruled out, while Murillo’s calf injury makes him doubtful forcing Angus Gunn to make his debut and Morato to partner Milenkovic in defense, whereas Fenerbahce only misses Archie Brown (leg injury) but welcomes January signings N’Golo Kante and Matteo Guendouzi who are eligible and expected to start in midfield.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Match?
Fenerbahce 2-1 Nottingham Forest represents the most likely scoreline based on the Turkish side’s attacking strength with Anderson Talisca (21 goals this season) and Kerem Akturkoglu leading the charge at home, Forest’s defensive injury crisis weakening their backline, but Igor Jesus’s exceptional Europa League form with six goals in six matches providing Forest a realistic chance to score an away goal that keeps the tie competitive for the second leg at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest Standing with Points?
Nottingham Forest finished 13th in the Europa League League Phase with 14 points from eight matches (4 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses) and a +8 goal difference after scoring 15 goals, while in the Premier League they currently sit 17th with three points above the relegation zone after 26 matches, struggling domestically despite their European success under previous manager Sean Dyche before Vitor Pereira’s recent appointment.
Fenerbahce Standing With Points?
Fenerbahce finished 19th in the Europa League League Phase with 12 points from eight matches (3 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses) and a +3 goal difference after scoring 10 goals, while domestically they remain unbeaten in the Turkish Super Lig after 22 matches and sit second place, just three points behind leaders Galatasaray as they chase their 20th league title and first championship since 2014 under manager Domenico Tedesco.
