A fascinating matchup in the Champions League playoff round gets underway in Istanbul on August 18, when Fenerbahce and Lyon collide in their first leg.
Fenerbahce Still Chasing Consistency
İsmail Kartal will be aware that his Fenerbahce side will have to be at their peak level in the Champions League Play Off round.
The Turkish club failed to win in two of their previous four matches in all competitions, suffering defeat in their first domestic outing of the campaign on Saturday.
Mason Greenwood, N’Golo Kante, and Nelson Semedo were rested in that defeat. Talisca will be Fenerbahce’s main attacking output, having scored in his last five appearances. Kartal will be without the injured Mert Gunok and Caglar Soyuncu on Tuesday.
Fenerbahce predicted lineup vs Lyon (4-2-3-1): Cetin; Semedo, Skriniar, Ake, Mercan; Guendouzi, Kante; Greenwood, Asensio, Aydin; Talisca
Lyon Yet to Reach Peak Levels in Early 2026-27
Paulo Fonseca will be hoping for a better performance from his Lyon side than the club managed on their latest away outing, as they were beaten on the road by Sparta Prague in the previous qualifying round (before coming through with home advantage in the return).
Fortunately, their offensive quality dazzled in the return leg, as Lyon scored three times. Defensive improvement will still be required after allowing six goals in their previous three.
There will be pressure on recent signing Loïs Openda to find his shooting boots, as the striker has failed to score in his last 21 appearances. Fonseca will only be without the injured Mads Bidstrup in Istanbul.
Lyon predicted lineup vs Fenerbahce (4-2-1-3): Greif; Maitland-Niles, Kluivert, Niakhate, Abner; Morton, Tessmann; Tolisso; Nuamah, Openda, Fofana
Fenerbahce vs Lyon Prediction
- Safe Tip: Over 2 Goals
- Odds: 1.3 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: Q74QS
- Correct score prediction: Fenerbahce 2-1 Lyon
Key stats:
- Fenerbahce have scored at least once in their previous seven fixtures in all competitions.
- Lyon have been vulnerable defensively, allowing at least one goal in four of their previous six.
- Les Gones have scored six in their four most recent fixtures.
With quality attacking talent on the field this week, a high-scoring affair is expected after claiming the 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€.
Lyon’s poor defensive record is alarming, having kept just one clean sheet in their last three. However, their attacking players did appear to click into gear in last week’s 3-0 win over Sparta Prague.
Fenerbahce have already shown their prowess in the final third, having scored in their last seven matches in all competitions. Over 2 goals have been scored in two of the three head-to-head encounters between the teams.
Fenerbahce vs Lyon Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Talisca to Score Anytime
- Odds: 2.47 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: KRLQS
Brazilian striker Talisca has made an excellent start to the new season, having scored in each of his last five appearances. His efficiency in the final third of the field will ensure that he is a standout scoring angle on Tuesday.
Talisca averages 2.21 shots per game for the Turkish club, and he operates at an impressive 42% accuracy rate, converting 17% of his opportunities. The Brazilian looks like a value play at 2.47 to maintain his scoring streak.
Verdict: Over 2 Goals (1.3) — Fenerbahce 2-1 Lyon
