Fenerbahçe SK are preparing for their Champions League play-off second leg against Lyon with a reshaped midfield plan and significant absences. According to Milli Gazete, following the 1-1 first leg in Istanbul, manager İsmail Kartal will be forced into changes for the decisive match on Wednesday, 26 August.
Marco Asensio remains injured and will miss the crucial away fixture. Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who suffered a head trauma in the Konyaspor match, is also not in the travelling squad. The absence of these two key attacking players directly impacts Kartal's tactical setup.
What is İsmail Kartal's midfield plan?
Lyon's occasional midfield dominance in the first leg has pushed Kartal towards a more resilient plan. Milli Gazete reports that the technical staff plan to include İsmail Yüksek in the starting eleven. Yüksek's combativeness and defensive contribution will combine with N'Golo Kanté's experience and Matteo Guendouzi's energy. The trio is tasked with cutting out Lyon's transition attacks and launching quick counters after winning possession. According to data on the club's squad page, Guendouzi has featured in 25 league matches this season.
Who will replace Kerem Aktürkoğlu?
The absence of left-winger Kerem Aktürkoğlu opens a door for young talent Dorgeles Nene. İsmail Kartal is expected to start Nene. The player's pace and one-on-one skills could be a key weapon to exploit spaces behind the Lyon defence. Nene has yet to score in the Süper Lig this season but has provided 7 assists in his appearances. This performance has solidified the technical team's trust in him.
What is Fenerbahçe SK's probable starting eleven?
Milli Gazete's predicted lineup sees Ederson in goal with a defence of Semedo, Skriniar, Ake, and Brown. Kanté, Guendouzi, and likely İsmail Yüksek will occupy midfield, with Greenwood, Talisca, Nene, and Vedat Muriqi leading the attack. For Lyon, Greif, Niles, Kluivert, Niakhate, Abner, Morton, Tessmann, Sulc, Tolisso, Fofana, and Openda are expected to start. Official lineups will be announced before kick-off.
Who is the referee for the match?
Italian official Maurizio Mariani will take charge of the high-stakes clash. He will be assisted by Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni, with Luca Zufferli as the fourth official. With neither side gaining an advantage in the first leg, the referee's decisions will be closely watched.
How can Fenerbahçe SK reach the Champions League group stage?
Because the first leg ended 1-1, Fenerbahçe must win in normal time to guarantee progression. A draw would send the match to extra time, and potentially penalties if the tie remains level. This makes İsmail Kartal's midfield plan and the performance of alternatives like Dorgeles Nene decisive. The team's league position can be tracked on our standings page. Fenerbahçe SK's next league match is against Adana Demirspor on Sunday, 30 August.
