Dirk Kuyt spent six years running himself into the ground for Liverpool. On Wednesday night, he might wish he was still playing for them.

The former Reds forward is now the man tasked with rescuing Fenerbahçe’s season, and his first Champions League assignment as interim manager could hardly be more daunting.

Liverpool arrive in Istanbul with a perfect European record, three victories from three matches and 12 goals scored. Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win in the competition.

The Turkish giants have collected just two points from their opening three fixtures, including a humiliating 6-0 defeat against Aston Villa. Their domestic form is hardly offering much encouragement either.

Kuyt took charge following Ismail Kartal’s departure in October, but his first match ended in a 2-1 defeat against Göztepe. With Fenerbahçe also losing the Istanbul derby against Galatasaray, the Dutchman has inherited a side desperately short of confidence.

Liverpool have problems of their own, although theirs look considerably less serious.

Andoni Iraola’s side saw a five-match winning streak ended by Arsenal on Sunday, with the Gunners securing their first Premier League victory at Anfield since 2012.

That 1-0 defeat exposed some familiar attacking frustrations, but Liverpool have looked an entirely different proposition in Europe.

Their 6-3 victory away to LASK and dramatic 4-3 win against Villarreal demonstrated both their extraordinary attacking potential and their occasional disregard for defending.

Wednesday’s trip also carries an interesting historical twist. Liverpool famously won their fifth European Cup in Istanbul in 2005, but their subsequent visits to the city have been rather less successful.

They have lost their last five matches in Istanbul, while Fenerbahçe have lost only one of their last five home fixtures.

The atmosphere at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium will be ferocious, and Kuyt will know exactly how much an upset against his former employers would mean.

Unfortunately for the Dutchman, sentiment doesn’t defend against Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Slavia Prague vs Arsenal betting tips, team news and predictions

What are the best betting tips for Fenerbahçe vs Liverpool?

Liverpool to win and over 2.5 goals

Liverpool’s perfect Champions League record makes them difficult to oppose, particularly against a Fenerbahçe side struggling at both ends of the pitch.

Iraola’s men have scored 12 goals in three European matches, including six away to LASK and four against Villarreal. Their attacking performances have been considerably more convincing than their occasional struggles in the Premier League.

Fenerbahçe have conceded 10 goals in their opening three Champions League fixtures. The 6-0 defeat against Aston Villa exposed significant defensive weaknesses, and injuries to key defenders have made Kuyt’s task even harder.

Liverpool have also scored 13 goals in five away matches across all competitions this season. With the hosts likely to leave spaces when pushing forward, an away victory combined with at least three match goals looks an attractive starting point.

Both teams to score

Liverpool’s attacking numbers have been excellent in Europe, but their defensive performances have been considerably less impressive.

The Reds conceded three goals against LASK and another three against Villarreal, meaning they have shipped six goals across their last two Champions League outings despite winning both matches.

Fenerbahçe have struggled for results, but their attacking options remain dangerous. Mason Greenwood, İrfan Can Kahveci and Romelu Lukaku possess enough quality to trouble Liverpool, particularly in front of a passionate home crowd.

Six of Fenerbahçe’s last seven home matches have featured at least three goals. With Liverpool’s recent European encounters also producing plenty of opportunities at both ends, I expect the Turkish side to get on the scoresheet even if they ultimately lose.

Bradley Barcola to score or assist

Bradley Barcola has become an important part of Liverpool’s attack under Iraola, offering pace, direct running and an ability to exploit space behind opposition defenders.

Fenerbahçe’s defensive injuries could make the Frenchman particularly dangerous on Wednesday. With Jayden Oosterwolde unavailable and Nathan Aké struggling with a muscle problem, Kuyt may be forced into another reshuffle.

Barcola’s ability to attack defenders in one-on-one situations should create problems, especially if Fenerbahçe’s full-backs push forward in search of a much-needed victory.

Liverpool have already demonstrated their ability to create chances in transition throughout this European campaign. Whether providing the final pass or getting on the scoresheet himself, Barcola looks a strong candidate for a direct goal involvement.

Sign up to QuinnBet, deposit and place qualifying bets to get 50% back up to £25 as a Free Bet.

How to watch Fenerbahçe vs Liverpool

Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Kick-off: 5:45pm GMT (8:45pm local time)

Venue: Chobani Stadium Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu, Istanbul

Competition: UEFA Champions League, League Phase Matchday 4

United Kingdom: TNT Sports / discovery+ (final channel allocation to be confirmed).

United States: Paramount+, with Spanish-language coverage subject to broadcaster listings.

Canada: DAZN.

Fenerbahçe predicted lineup and team news

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted XI: Ederson; Mert Müldür, Archie Brown, Milan Škriniar, Levent Mercan; N’Golo Kanté, Mattéo Guendouzi; Mason Greenwood, İrfan Can Kahveci, Oğuz Aydın; Romelu Lukaku.

Dirk Kuyt faces significant defensive selection problems ahead of Liverpool’s visit. Jayden Oosterwolde remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Kojo Peprah Oppong suffered an injury against Göztepe and is doubtful.

Nathan Aké is also struggling with a muscle problem, potentially leaving Milan Škriniar and Archie Brown to form an unfamiliar central defensive partnership. Mert Müldür and Levent Mercan could occupy the full-back positions.

Marco Asensio remains unavailable after requiring knee surgery, removing another creative option from Fenerbahçe’s attack.

Kuyt should still be able to field a dangerous forward line. Mason Greenwood, İrfan Can Kahveci and Oğuz Aydın are expected to support Romelu Lukaku, with Kanté and Guendouzi providing experience in midfield.

Liverpool predicted lineup and team news

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted XI: Alisson; Ronald Araújo, Jérémy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister; Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola; Alexander Isak.

Andoni Iraola continues to deal with defensive absences, particularly at right-back. Conor Bradley remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Jeremie Frimpong is unavailable because of a hamstring problem.

Giovanni Leoni is also recovering from a serious knee injury. Ronald Araújo could therefore continue at right-back, with Jérémy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk forming the central partnership.

Dominik Szoboszlai returned from injury as a substitute against Arsenal and could feature on Wednesday, although Iraola may be cautious about immediately restoring him to the starting lineup.

Alexander Isak is a candidate to lead the attack, but Lewis Koumas could be given an opportunity if Liverpool decide to rotate. Hugo Ekitiké remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury.

Fenerbahçe vs Liverpool stats

• Liverpool have won all three of their Champions League matches this season.
• The Reds sit third in the 36-team league table with nine points.
• Fenerbahçe are 31st, having collected two points from three matches.
• Liverpool have scored 12 goals in three Champions League fixtures.
• Fenerbahçe have conceded 10 goals in their opening three European matches.
• Liverpool defeated Atlético Madrid 2-1, LASK 6-3 and Villarreal 4-3.
• Fenerbahçe drew 1-1 with Roma and 2-2 with Slavia Prague, either side of a 6-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
• Liverpool have conceded six goals across their last two Champions League encounters.
• Iraola’s side are unbeaten away from home across all competitions this season, winning four and drawing one.
• Liverpool have scored 13 goals in those five away matches.
• Fenerbahçe have lost only one of their last five home fixtures.
• Six of Fenerbahçe’s last seven home matches have produced over 2.5 goals.
• Liverpool’s five-match winning streak ended with Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.
• The Reds have lost their last five matches in Istanbul.
• Fenerbahçe have won only one of their last six home meetings with English opposition.
• This will be the first competitive meeting between Fenerbahçe and Liverpool.

Fenerbahçe vs Liverpool prediction

Liverpool’s defeat against Arsenal was disappointing, but there is little reason to believe it will derail their Champions League campaign.

Iraola’s side have been outstanding going forward in Europe, and their ability to score goals from different areas of the pitch makes them a particularly difficult opponent for an injury-hit Fenerbahçe defence.

The Turkish giants will be desperate to produce a reaction under Kuyt, particularly in front of their own supporters. However, their recent performances have exposed serious problems with defensive organisation and their ability to cope with quick attacking transitions.

Liverpool should be able to exploit those weaknesses.

The visitors’ own defensive record is far from perfect, though, and Fenerbahçe have enough attacking quality to cause problems. Greenwood and Lukaku are capable of punishing mistakes, while the home atmosphere could make this a more uncomfortable evening than Liverpool might expect.

Nevertheless, the difference in attacking confidence is substantial.

Liverpool have scored 12 goals in three European matches, while Fenerbahçe have conceded 10. Those numbers suggest the visitors should create more than enough opportunities to extend their perfect record.

I expect the hosts to find the net, but Liverpool’s superior attacking quality should ultimately settle an entertaining contest.

Score prediction: Fenerbahçe 1-3 Liverpool

Some links in this article are affiliate links. EPL Bets receives commission from qualifying activity made through these links. This does not affect the odds or offers available to you. Odds available at the time of writing. 18+. New customers only. Opt in required.