Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce Prediction: Nottingham Forest will defeat Fenerbahce 3-1 in the second leg at The City Ground on February 27, 2026, securing a 6-1 aggregate victory to advance to the Europa League Round of 16, as the English side holds a commanding 3-0 advantage from the first leg while Fenerbahce faces a severe defensive injury crisis with only one natural center-back available.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Europa League – Knockout Round Playoff (Second Leg) |
| Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 1:30 AM (Local Time) / 8:00 PM (February 26, UK Time) |
| Venue | The City Ground, Nottingham |
| First Leg Result | Fenerbahce 0-3 Nottingham Forest |
| Aggregate Score | Nottingham Forest lead 3-0 |
Key Facts
- Nottingham Forest secured a commanding 3-0 victory in Istanbul during the first leg, marking their biggest away win in European competition history.
- Vitor Pereira made an immediate impact in his debut match as Forest’s new head coach, just four days after replacing Sean Dyche.
- Forest currently sit 17th in the Premier League with concerns about relegation, positioned just two points above the drop zone.
- Fenerbahce remain unbeaten in 23 Turkish Super Lig matches this season with 15 wins and 8 draws.
- The Turkish side has never progressed from a European knockout tie after losing the first leg in 26 previous attempts.
- Fenerbahce holds a 14-game unbeaten away record across all competitions since September.
- Igor Jesus leads the Europa League scoring charts with seven goals this season.
- Forest need only avoid a three-goal defeat to advance to the Round of 16.
Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce Preview and Prediction
The second leg takes place on February 27, 2026, at 1:30 AM (or February 26 at 8:00 PM UK time) at The City Ground in Nottingham. This historic venue will host a crucial European night as Forest aim to secure their passage to the last 16.
The winners will face either Real Betis from Spain or Danish club FC Midtjylland in the Round of 16. Forest hold a substantial three-goal cushion, meaning they can afford to lose by two goals and still progress on aggregate.
For Nottingham Forest, European progression offers a welcome distraction from their Premier League struggles.
The club seeks to win three consecutive European matches for the first time since the 1983-84 season, connecting the current squad with the club’s storied continental history.
Fenerbahce face the challenge of overturning a three-goal deficit away from home, something they have never achieved in European competition. Their domestic form remains strong, sitting just two points behind league leaders Galatasaray.
Where to Watch Live?
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App, Talksport 2 Radio
United States: CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, fuboTV, TUDN USA, UniMás, ViX
Turkey: TRT 1, Digiturk Play, tabii
India: tabii
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
Australia: Stan Sport
Germany: RTL, RTL+
Italy: Sky Sport 254, Sky Sport Arena, SKY Go Italia, TV8, NOW TV
Spain: Movistar+, Movistar Liga de Campeones 2
Team Form and Recent Results
Nottingham Forest Recent Matches
Forest’s recent form shows inconsistency across competitions. They suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on February 22, conceding a 97th-minute winner from Alexis Mac Allister.
Before that, they drew 0-0 with Wolves and lost 3-1 at Leeds. Their Europa League form contrasts sharply, with back-to-back victories including the first-leg triumph.
Fenerbahce Recent Matches
The Turkish giants drew 1-1 with Kasimpasa on February 23, with Marco Asensio scoring in the 95th minute only for the visitors to equalize in the 101st minute despite playing with 10 men.
Prior to the first-leg defeat, Fenerbahce won 3-2 at Trabzonspor and defeated Genclerbirligi 3-1 at home.
Injuries and Team News
Nottingham Forest Injury List
Confirmed Absences
- Chris Wood (knee injury)
- Nicolo Savona (knee injury)
- John Victor (knee injury)
- Willy Boly (knee injury)
- Matz Sels (groin injury)
Ineligible
- Luca Netz (not registered in Europa League squad)
Fenerbahce Injury Crisis
Confirmed Absences
- Milan Skriniar (groin injury – sustained in first leg)
- Caglar Soyuncu (muscle injury)
- Anderson Talisca (hamstring injury)
- Ederson (hamstring injury)
- Edson Alvarez (ankle injury)
- Jayden Oosterwolde (groin injury)
Suspended
- Fred (yellow card accumulation)
- Jayden Oosterwolde (yellow card accumulation)
Ineligible
- Anthony Musaba (not registered)
- Mert Gunok (not registered)
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Fenerbahce’s defensive crisis presents the most significant concern.
With Yigit Efe as the only natural center-back available, manager Domenico Tedesco may deploy Mert Muldur or Matteo Guendouzi in central defense. This makeshift arrangement could prove vulnerable against Forest’s attacking threats.
The absence of Fred removes Fenerbahce’s midfield anchor, while Milan Skriniar’s injury compounds their defensive fragility.
For Forest, losing Matz Sels in goal represents a blow, though their three-goal advantage provides substantial cushioning.
Predicted Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce Lineups and Formation
Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Ortega
- Defense: Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams
- Midfield: Anderson, Sangare
- Attacking Midfield: Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi
- Forward: Igor Jesus
Fenerbahce Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Cetin
- Defense: Semedo, Demir, Efe, Muldur
- Midfield: Brown, Guendouzi, Kante
- Attacking Midfield: Asensio, Cherif, Akturkoglu
Tactical Analysis
Vitor Pereira demonstrated tactical acumen in the first leg, implementing a high-pressing system that suffocated Fenerbahce’s build-up play.
Forest dominated possession in Istanbul, controlling the tempo and exploiting spaces behind the Turkish defense.
Fenerbahce must adopt an aggressive approach, pushing forward from the opening whistle.
However, their defensive injuries limit tactical flexibility. Tedesco faces the dilemma of committing players forward while protecting against counter-attacks, particularly given Forest’s pace on the wings.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The teams have met only once previously – the first leg on February 19, 2026, which Forest won 3-0 in Istanbul.
Goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White within the first 50 minutes sealed a comprehensive victory.
Fenerbahce’s record against English opposition makes grim reading: just four wins in 22 European encounters (D2 L13).
This historical trend suggests Forest hold psychological advantages beyond their aggregate lead.
Key Players to Watch
Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)
The Brazilian striker tops the Europa League scoring charts with seven goals.
His movement and finishing proved decisive in the first leg, and he represents Forest’s primary attacking threat.
Jesus will battle with January signing Lorenzo Lucca for the starting position.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
The creative midfielder orchestrated Forest’s first-leg victory and remains central to their attacking patterns.
Currently one booking away from suspension, Gibbs-White must balance aggression with discipline.
Marco Asensio (Fenerbahce)
The former Real Madrid playmaker provides Fenerbahce’s creative spark.
His late equalizer against Kasimpasa demonstrated his ability to produce moments of quality under pressure.
Asensio must elevate his performance significantly for the Turkish side to mount a comeback.
Europa League Standings
Nottingham Forest: 13th position with 14 points from 8 matches (4 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses)
Fenerbahce: 19th position with 12 points from 8 matches (3 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses)
Both teams qualified for the knockout round playoffs, with Forest’s superior position reflecting their stronger League Phase performance.
Statistical Deep Dive
Forest have scored 15 goals in the Europa League this season while conceding just 7, demonstrating defensive solidity alongside attacking potency.
Their goal difference of +8 ranks among the competition’s best.
Fenerbahce managed 10 goals and conceded 7 during the League Phase, with a goal difference of +3.
Their recent form shows vulnerability, particularly in consecutive home defeats – a first in their European history.
Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce Prediction
Forest’s three-goal advantage and Fenerbahce’s injury crisis point toward home progression.
The Turkish side’s unbeaten away record provides some hope, but overcoming such a deficit against a well-organized opponent appears beyond their current capabilities.
Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Fenerbahce (Forest win 6-1 on aggregate)
Forest should field a strong lineup despite their comfortable position, aiming to impress their home supporters and build momentum.
Fenerbahce will score through their attacking quality, but Forest’s counter-attacking prowess will prove decisive.
Vitor Pereira urged his players to “come back stronger and with confidence” following the late defeat to Liverpool.
The Portuguese manager faces crucial decisions regarding squad rotation, balancing European ambitions with Premier League survival needs.
Fenerbahce closed the gap on Galatasaray to two points after their rivals lost to Konyaspor, maintaining domestic title hopes despite European disappointment looming.
Also Read Celta Vigo vs PAOK Prediction.
FAQs
Where To Watch Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce Live?
Fans can watch Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ in the United Kingdom, on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ in the United States, on TRT 1 and tabii in Turkey, on DAZN in Canada, and on Stan Sport in Australia for the Europa League knockout round playoff second leg on February 27, 2026.
Who Will Win Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce Match?
Nottingham Forest will win the match against Fenerbahce because the English side holds a commanding 3-0 first-leg advantage, plays at home at The City Ground, and faces a Turkish opponent suffering from a severe defensive injury crisis with six key players unavailable including Milan Skriniar, while Fenerbahce has never overturned a first-leg deficit in 26 previous European knockout ties.
What is Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce Match Kick-Off Time?
Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce kicks off at 8:00 PM GMT on February 26, 2026 (which is 1:30 AM local time on February 27, 2026) at The City Ground in Nottingham for the UEFA Europa League knockout round playoff second leg.
Are There Any Injuries in Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce Match?
Yes, both teams face significant injuries, with Nottingham Forest missing five players including Chris Wood, Matz Sels, Nicolo Savona, John Victor, and Willy Boly, while Fenerbahce suffers a defensive crisis with six injured players including Milan Skriniar, Caglar Soyuncu, Anderson Talisca, Ederson, Edson Alvarez, and Jayden Oosterwolde, plus suspensions for Fred and Oosterwolde, leaving only one natural center-back available.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahce Match?
Nottingham Forest will defeat Fenerbahce 3-1 in the second leg, giving the English side a 6-1 aggregate victory to advance to the Europa League Round of 16, as Forest’s three-goal cushion from the first leg combined with Fenerbahce’s defensive injury crisis makes a Turkish comeback mathematically possible but practically impossible.
Fenerbahce Standing with Points?
Fenerbahce stands in 19th position in the UEFA Europa League standings with 12 points from 8 matches, having recorded 3 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses with 10 goals scored and 7 goals conceded for a +3 goal difference during the League Phase.
Nottingham Forest Standing With Points?
Nottingham Forest stands in 13th position in the UEFA Europa League standings with 14 points from 8 matches, having achieved 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses with 15 goals scored and 7 goals conceded for a +8 goal difference during the League Phase.
