The opposition lowdown: Fenerbahce
Get the lowdown on Fenerbahce ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Turkiye for Champions League matchday four on Wednesday.
Season so far
A mixed beginning to the campaign has seen Fenerbahce win five, draw one and lose four in the Turkish Super Lig.
Most recently, they were beaten 2-1 at home to Goztepe on Saturday afternoon, surrendering a half-time lead.
On the European stage, Fenerbahce came through three rounds of qualifiers to reach the Champions League’s league phase – defeating Gornik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon.
Since the competition proper started they have drawn 1-1 at home to AS Roma, lost 6-0 away at Aston Villa and played out a 2-2 with Slavia Prague in Istanbul.
In the dugout
Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt is currently in interim charge of the hosts.
The Dutchman was placed in the role last week following the resignation of Ismail Kartal.
Kuyt had returned to Fenerbahce as assistant manager during the summer, having spent three years with the club as a player after leaving the Reds in 2012.
Key players
Kosovo international Vedat Muriqi is Fenerbahce’s leading scorer so far this term with eight goals across all competitions.
Four of his strikes came during an 8-0 league victory over Eyupspor in September.
Kerem Akturkoglu has been their most frequent creator of goals with five assists.
Defender Archie Brown has covered the greatest distance of any player in their squad in the Champions League league phase (32.9km).
Team news
The home side are set to be without defender Nathan Ake and midfielder Marco Asensio due to injuries.
There is also a doubt over Kojo Peprah Oppong.
Jayden Oosterwolde has been sidelined since sustaining an Achilles tendon issue in early August.
Previous meetings
Actually, none – this will be the first time the clubs have ever met.
Fenerbahce are set to become the fourth different Turkish side Liverpool have encountered in their European history.
What they said
Kuyt at his pre-match press conference
“It’s a big opportunity for Fenerbahce. It’s a big opportunity for the players; in the first place, they need to show.
“We have a good plan for tomorrow but we need to believe in that plan. And I believe the players are believing.
“If we show that with passion and energy then my biggest wish is that the fans of Fenerbahce are showing themselves to Europe on the highest stage, a big platform, Champions League, against one of the biggest teams in the Champions League.
“This is very special and that’s why I’m looking so forward to it.”
Pre-match stats
Fenerbahce have never lost a home Champions League fixture in which they have scored first (seven wins, two draws).
Their record against English clubs is: 24 played, six won, four drawn, 14 lost.
They are competing in the Champions League proper for the seventh time overall and the first since 2008-09.
Fenerbahce have failed to score in only two of their 19 matches so far this season.
