18 years later, Fenerbahçe host Roma
The big one. Fenerbahçe host Roma on Thursday at 18:45 CEST at Chobani Stadium in the first round of the Champions League league phase (1). Your team's return to the main phase after 18 years begins at home (4). Roma arrive as Serie A leaders with a perfect record, so no easy opener (4).
Kartal goes with a back three
İsmail Kartal is expected to set up a three-man defence for this one (7). Matteo Guendouzi is suspended after a two-match UEFA ban, and Marco Asensio is out injured (7). Neither will be involved.
Lukaku vs Muriqi is the big call
The main question is up front: Romelu Lukaku or Vedat Muriqi (3). Lukaku is under pressure after a slow start, with reports pointing to the tension around Fenerbahçe before this match (5). "De trainer had Lukaku liever niet gehad," one source wrote (5).
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Roma's attack: Malen, Dybala, Soulé
Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to rely on Donyell Malen, supported by Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé up front (12). Gasperini previewed the match: "La Roma manca in Champions da anni, ma ha fatto bene in Europa League. Rimane comunque l'impatto con questa competizione: la prima giornata desta sempre curiosità" (11).
A look at your future opponents
Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 2–1 in the league phase this week, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister involved (10). Both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are Fenerbahçe opponents later in this competition (10).
The fine print
Fenerbahçe sit 9th in the Süper Lig after four games, six points, a goal difference of +2. Form reads L W W L, including a 1–2 home loss to Besiktas on Saturday and a 0–2 away win at Samsunspor. After Roma, your team travel to Gaziantep FK on Monday, September 14.
