Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest Europa League Play-off: Complete Viewing Guide
Vitor Pereira's inaugural match as Nottingham Forest manager presents a compelling narrative as he faces former club Fenerbahce in the Europa League knockout play-off. The Portuguese tactician, who previously managed the Turkish giants during two separate tenures between 2015 and 2021, assumes control of a Forest side embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle.
Managerial Appointment and Context
Pereira's appointment on Sunday marked Forest's fourth managerial change this season, following the dismissal of Sean Dyche. He inherits a squad grappling with fixture congestion, where European commitments could potentially undermine domestic survival efforts. However, with Forest's Europa League campaign representing their sole remaining opportunity for seasonal success, Pereira aims to secure a crucial advantage against his old employers in Istanbul.
Match Details and Broadcast Information
The Europa League play-off first leg between Fenerbahce and Nottingham Forest commences at 5:45 PM GMT on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The venue is Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, comprehensive coverage will be available on TNT Sports 3, with pre-match programming beginning at 5:00 PM GMT. This broadcast ensures fans won't miss any of the action from this highly anticipated European encounter.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Fenerbahce enter the match with several defensive concerns. Levent Mercan and Archie Brown remain sidelined due to injuries, while Edson Alvarez faces uncertainty with ankle issues. New January acquisition N'Golo Kante is anticipated to anchor the midfield from the starting position.
Nottingham Forest are expected to implement Pereira's preferred tactical system, likely deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation. The squad faces significant absences with goalkeepers Matz Sels and John Victor unavailable, positioning Stefan Ortega as the starting goalkeeper. Additional unavailable players include Chris Wood and Willy Boly, though defender Murillo may return from injury.
Projected Starting Lineups:
- Fenerbahce: Ederson; Muldur, Skriniar, Oosterwolde, Semedo; Guendouzi, Kante; Musaba, Asensio, Nene; Talisca.
- Nottingham Forest: Ortega; Cunha, Milenkovic, Murillo; Aina, Sangare, Anderson, Williams; Gibbs-White, McAtee; Jesus.
Strategic Implications and Match Outlook
This Europa League play-off represents more than just a football match for both clubs. For Fenerbahce, it's an opportunity to advance in European competition against familiar opposition led by their former manager. For Nottingham Forest, the fixture offers a potential lifeline in an otherwise challenging season, with Pereira seeking to demonstrate immediate impact against opponents he knows intimately.
The tactical battle promises intrigue, particularly as Pereira implements his preferred system against a Fenerbahce side he helped shape during his previous managerial spells. With both teams fielding strong lineups despite injury concerns, this Europa League encounter could prove decisive for their respective European ambitions.
