Fenerbahçe vs Nottingham Forest: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 19 February 2026
One of the most intriguing playoff round ties in the Europa League will unfold on Thursday in Istanbul, where Fenerbahçe welcome English side Nottingham Forest to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. The Turkish club is banking on fervent home support and a powerful domestic run, while the visitors arrive in Turkey under the guidance of a new head coach. This promises to be a cautious affair with limited scoring chances.
Match preview
Fenerbahçe finished the group stage of the Europa League on a shaky note: a defeat to Aston Villa (0-1) and a draw with FCSB (1-1) left a bitter aftertaste, but earlier points were enough to secure a playoff berth. The winter break, however, was a triumph – four consecutive wins with an aggregate score of 11-4 show the coaching staff drew the right conclusions. Crucially, the squad was reinforced in January, with Kante, Guendouzi, and the young Sheriff now eligible for European action.
Historically, Fenerbahçe have struggled against English opposition: just 16 goals scored in 20 meetings and only five victories. Their last major triumph over a Premier League side came in 2016, when they edged Manchester United 2-1. The recent home clash with Aston Villa ended in a narrow defeat, underlining the need for caution in expectations.
At Nottingham, another managerial shake-up has taken place: after Sean Dyche's dismissal, Vítor Pereira has taken the reins. Despite turbulence in the Premier League, Forest impressed in Europe – three wins in four matches under Dyche, with the only defeat coming against Braga due to an own goal. Domestic form has been patchy, but the team’s European rhythm remains intact.
Forest’s main strength is their defense. Over the group stage, the English side conceded just two goals, boasting the best xG against in the tournament (0.83 per match). The attacking unit, featuring Hudson-Odoi and new signing Lukka, is capable of creating chances even away from home, though recent road results have been inconsistent.
Probable lineups
- Fenerbahçe: Moraes, Müldür, Osterwolde, Söyüncü, Semedo, Kante, Guendouzi, Asensio, Musaba, Dorgeles, Sheriff
- Nottingham Forest: Gunn, Abbott, Milenković, Paula, Williams, Sangaré, Yates, Hutchinson, Hudson-Odoi, Ndoye, Jesus
Match facts and head-to-head
- Fenerbahçe have won their last four matches in all competitions since the conclusion of the Europa League group stage.
- Nottingham Forest conceded just two goals in the group stage – the best defensive record among all participants.
- Five of Fenerbahçe’s last six Europa League matches have featured no more than two goals.
Prediction
Fenerbahçe are expected to take the initiative, but English teams have traditionally posed major challenges for Turkish sides. With a new manager, Nottingham Forest will likely focus on discipline and a compact shape, and their defense has already proven its resilience. Expect a cautious encounter with few clear-cut chances, where the hosts are slightly favored to edge it.
