Fenerbahçe SK is set to host Nottingham Forest in the Europa League knockout play-off first leg on Thursday at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. The Yellow Canaries, despite being in the Super Lig title race, have shown inconsistent performance in Europe. Team news and predicted lineups are a major topic of interest ahead of this crucial encounter.

Fenerbahçe SK collected 12 points in eight Europa League group stage games, scoring 10 goals and conceding seven. The team drew 1-1 with FCSB in their final league phase fixture and has performed well at home, winning two and drawing one of their four European matches.

Visiting side Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, has struggled domestically but fared better in Europe. The Tricky Trees collected 14 points in the league phase, finishing just two points shy of automatic qualification for the round of 16. Forest thrashed Ferencvaros 4-0 away to secure their play-off spot and have conceded only seven goals defensively.

This match will be Nottingham Forest's new manager Vitor Pereira's first European game in charge of the team. Pereira's tactics and player selections will significantly influence the outcome of the match.

Fenerbahçe SK has only one significant injury concern, defender Archie Brown. For Nottingham Forest, Matz Sels, John Victor, Chris Wood, Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Willy Boly are sidelined due to injuries. Elliot Anderson has returned to the squad after serving his suspension.

Fenerbahçe SK's predicted lineup (in a 4-2-3-1 formation) is as follows: Ederson, Mert Muldur, Jayden Oosterwolde, Milan Skriniar, Nelson Semedo, N’golo Kante, Matteo Guendouzi, Kerem Akturkoglu. The outcome of the match holds great importance for both teams' European aspirations.