Kuyt takes on his former club: Fenerbahce vs. Liverpool prediction
On November 4, Fenerbahce will host Liverpool in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. The Turkish club is enduring a prolonged crisis and is still waiting for its first win in the competition. The visitors, by contrast, have won all three of their matches and sit third with nine points. The clash is given an extra layer of intrigue by Dirk Kuyt, who is now in charge of the Istanbul side and is preparing to face his former team.
Fenerbahce: managerial change and three Champions League matches without a win
Fenerbahce continue to struggle badly. After the 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray, Ismail Kartal left his post as head coach, and on October 28 Dirk Kuyt was appointed interim manager. However, the Dutchman's debut ended in disappointment as the Istanbul side lost 2-1 to Goztepe. Their Champions League situation is even more difficult: draws with Roma (1-1) and Slavia Prague (2-2), followed by a 6-0 thrashing by Aston Villa, have left the Turkish club without a win after three rounds.
Injuries have created further problems. Centre-backs Jayden Oosterwolde and Koyo Peprah Oppong are unavailable, while Nathan Ake's involvement remains doubtful. Marco Asensio will also miss out due to a knee problem. At the same time, the attacking line boasts serious firepower: Romelu Lukaku, Mason Greenwood and Irfan Can Kahveci are all capable of creating chances. The hosts can also draw confidence from their home record, having suffered just one defeat in their last five matches on home soil.
Liverpool: perfect Champions League start and squad problems
Liverpool have gradually found their rhythm under Andoni Iraola. After a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, the team went on to win five consecutive matches in all competitions, including victories over Brighton (2-0) and Chelsea in the League Cup. The Merseysiders have also impressed in the Champions League, beating LASK (6-3) and Villarreal (4-3). However, their winning run ended in the latest Premier League round with a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal.
Before travelling to Istanbul, the visitors were hit by several squad issues. Ryan Gravenberch will miss the match with a heel injury, while Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni are also ruled out. Changes are possible in attack, with Lewis Koumas potentially replacing Alexander Isak. Liverpool's away record is impressive, though: four wins and one draw in five away matches this season, with the team scoring 13 goals.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Liverpool have won all three matches in the current Champions League league phase
- Fenerbahce are winless in their last three Champions League matches, conceding nine goals
- Liverpool are unbeaten away from home this season, recording four wins and one draw
Can Kuyt stop Liverpool? Fenerbahce vs. Liverpool prediction
Fenerbahce are going through a difficult period, and the change in management has yet to produce an improvement in results. Nevertheless, home support and quality attacking players give the hosts reason to believe they can find the net. Kuyt's desire to secure his first success against the club he represented for six years will provide additional motivation.
Liverpool look far more consistent despite the defeat to Arsenal and their lengthy injury list. The Merseysiders regularly score away from home, while the problems in the Turkish side's defence create an opening for a high-scoring performance. We expect an open match in which the visitors' attacking firepower will prove decisive.
