By Karim Hammam
Liverpool resume their Champions League campaign against Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul on Wednesday, aiming to extend their perfect start of nine points from three games. The Reds, coming off a Premier League defeat to Arsenal, will start without a recognized striker as Bradley Barcola is deployed in a new attacking role, with Alexander Isak on the bench.
Lineups and Key Absences
Midfielder Trey Nyoni retains his place in the starting XI as Ryan Gravenberch misses out through injury. The teenager impressed against Arsenal and is reportedly close to a new contract. Liverpool's lineup: Alisson; Gomez, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Munoz, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Barcola. Fenerbahce, under interim manager Dirk Kuyt, field a side featuring Ederson, Nelson Semedo, Skriniar, and attacking trio Greenwood, Lukaku, and Irfan Can Kahveci.
Kuyt's Return to Face Former Club
Kuyt, who spent six years at Liverpool, took charge after Ismail Kartal's resignation last month. This is the first meeting between the two clubs, making Fenerbahce Liverpool's 140th different European opponent. Kuyt acknowledged the emotional significance but vowed to set aside his affection for Liverpool. "It is a great opportunity for us to show what we can do... No one who loves Fenerbahce is happy with the current situation, but this is a huge opportunity," he said.
Barcola's Record Chance
Bradley Barcola could become only the second Liverpool player to score two away hat-tricks in European competition, emulating Michael Owen. He netted a treble at LASK in the previous away game. Graeme Souness remains the only Liverpool player to score two hat-tricks in a single European Cup/Champions League season (1980-81).
Iraola's Preview
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola emphasized the need for a strong start in a hostile atmosphere. "We have to be mentally very ready to start strong... Fenerbahce have very good players, a very good squad, and experience in this competition," he said. The Reds have scored 12 goals in the Champions League this season, second only to Paris Saint-Germain's 14.
