Fenerbahçe face Roma as Champions League return ends 18-year wait | OneFootball

After an 18-year absence from the main phase of the Champions League, Fenerbahçe host Roma at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Thursday. Turkish-Football.com notes the Istanbul club re-enter Europe’s elite against a Roma side revived under Gian Piero Gasperini.

The hosts arrive after 154 European outings and nine failed qualification attempts since their last main-phase appearance in 2008.

Fenerbahçe face selection complications in midfield and defence. Mattéo Guendouzi is suspended following a post-match altercation against Lyon in the playoff round. Jayden Oosterwolde remains out after hamstring surgery, and Marco Asensio is a doubt with a thigh strain.

After Talisca’s move to Al Jazira, Vedat Muriqi is expected to spearhead the attack.

Roma have fewer concerns, with Lorenzo Pellegrini the only confirmed absentee as he recovers from a thigh problem. Donyell Malen, who has five goals in early domestic action, is set to partner Paulo Dybala.

Fenerbahçe have been stubborn in Kadıköy, losing five of their last 32 European home fixtures. Even so, defensive lapses were evident in their opening Süper Lig defeat.

Gasperini’s team arrive top of Serie A after three straight wins, leaning on quick transitions and the understanding between Dybala and Malen.

Predicted formations: Fenerbahçe 4-2-3-1, Roma 3-4-2-1.

Source: Turkish-Football.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”