Fenerbahce’s attacking firepower puts Lyon under pressure in Istanbul

Olympique Lyonnais face a major test against an experienced Fenerbahce side in the Champions League play-off round after overcoming Sparta Prague in the previous stage.

Lyon travel to Istanbul for the first leg with the Turkish club boasting a squad containing several high-profile names, including Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Marco Asensio, N’Golo Kante and Matteo Guendouzi.

Fenerbahce’s attacking options have also impressed during the qualifying campaign. Talisca has scored four times in four matches and is expected to start alongside Mason Greenwood, while Romelu Lukaku gives the hosts another significant threat after arriving as a major signing.

Fenerbahce could still be without several players who have missed recent matches. Dominik Livakovic, Nene Dorgeles, Ederson, Musamba and Jayden Oosterwolde are all doubts or unavailable for the contest.

The expected Fenerbahce line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Gunok

Defenders: Semedo, Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Brown

Midfielders: N’Golo Kante, Matteo Guendouzi, Marco Asensio

Forwards: Mason Greenwood, Talisca, Akturkoglu

Lyon are also expected to have selection concerns before the meeting. The French side will probably be without Sulc, Bidstrup and Merah, while Nicolas Tagliafico remains uncertain.

Bacher, who joined from Estoril, could make his Lyon debut. Despite losing several players during the summer, the club have strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Bidstrup, Duranville, Bacher, Mohamed Ouedraogo, Kail Boudache and Lois Openda.

Corentin Tolisso is expected to operate as the advanced midfielder behind Openda, with the Belgium international leading the attack. Tyler Morton made a positive impression in the previous round and could retain his place in midfield.

The expected Lyon line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif

Defenders: Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Kluivert, Moussa Niakhate, Abner

Midfielders: Tyler Morton, Tanner Tessmann, Corentin Tolisso

Forwards: Ernest Nuamah, Lois Openda, Malick Fofana

The match will be the first leg of the Champions League qualification play-off between Fenerbahce and Lyon, with the Turkish club holding home advantage at the opening stage of the tie.

Fenerbahce’s form in qualifying, together with their greater depth and experience, makes them the more fancied side before kick-off. However, Lyon will be encouraged by their progress against Sparta Prague and the impact made by several of their summer additions.

Betting company 1xBet lists Fenerbahce as the favourites, offering odds of 2.15 for a home win. A draw is priced at 3.65, while Lyon are available at 3.53.