Nottingham Forest XI vs Fenerbahçe – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·19 February 2026

Nottingham Forest XI vs Fenerbahçe – Predicted lineup and team news

Nottingham Forest travel to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on Thursday, aiming to secure a first-leg advantage in their Europa League play-off.

The Reds have moved into a new era following the appointment of Vítor Pereira as head coach on Sunday. Forest successfully navigated the league phase to finish 13th, scoring 15 goals along the way. However, they arrive in Istanbul having won just three of their last 13 matches across all competitions. A positive result today is vital for Pereira to stabilise the club before a return to a difficult Premier League survival battle.

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Nottingham Forest Team News

Vítor Pereira manages a squad still hampered by a significant injury list. Notably, first-choice goalkeeper Matz Sels remains out with a groin injury, meaning Angus Gunn is expected to keep his place between the posts. Chris Wood and Willy Boly are also long-term absentees with knee injuries. Consequently, Igor Jesus will spearhead the attack, seeking his seventh goal of the European campaign to break the club’s individual scoring record in a single season. Murillo faces a late assessment on a calf issue sustained earlier this month.

Angus Gunn will start in goal behind a back four led by Nikola Milenković and Morato. Ola Aina and Neco Williams are expected to occupy the full-back positions. In midfield, Ibrahim Sangaré will anchor the side alongside Elliot Anderson, who is walking a disciplinary tightrope after several bookings in the league phase. Morgan Gibbs-White will operate in the creative number ten role. Dan Ndoye and Callum Hudson-Odoi are poised to provide the threat from wide areas, supporting Igor Jesus in the final third.