Fenerbahce seek first-leg edge against Sturm Graz: Predicted XI

Fenerbahce will host Austrian side Sturm Graz in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on Aug. 5, aiming to build up an advantage before the return fixture.

The match at Chobani Stadium will kick off at 9 p.m. local time and will be broadcast live on TV 100.

English referee Chris Kavanagh will oversee the match, with Ian Hussin and Neil Davies serving as assistant referees. Robert Jones will be the fourth official.

Fenerbahce’s Mason Greenwood (11) takes part in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round first-leg match against Gornik Zabrze at Chobani Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, on July 21, 2026. (AA Photo)

Fenerbahce look to carry momentum into next round

Fenerbahce moved into the third qualifying round after knocking out Polish side Gornik Zabrze.

The Istanbul club won the opening match 1-0 before holding on for a 1-1 draw away from home, which was enough to send the team through.

Against Sturm Graz, Fenerbahce will look to pick up a home victory and put themselves in a stronger position ahead of the second leg.

ZABMason Greenwood (11) of Fenerbahce in action during the UEFA Champions League second leg of the second qualifying round between Gornik Zabrze and Fenerbahce at Arena Zabrze in Zabrze, Poland on July 29, 2026. (AA Photo)

Ederson, Asensio and Talisca expected to start

Fenerbahce are expected to line up with Ederson in goal, supported by a defensive unit featuring Nelson Semedo, Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake and Jayden Oosterwolde.

Ismail Yuksek and Matteo Guendouzi are likely to operate in midfield, while Irfan Can Kahveci, Marco Asensio and Kerem Akturkoglu are expected to play behind Talisca.

Fenerbahce predicted XI: Ederson; Nelson Semedo, Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Jayden Oosterwolde; Ismail Yuksek, Matteo Guendouzi; Irfan Can Kahveci, Marco Asensio, Kerem Akturkoglu; Talisca.

Fenerbahce's Oguz Aydin (right) and Gornik Zabrze's Michal Sacek (61) challenge for the ball during the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round first-leg match at Chobani Stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, on July 21, 2026. (AA Photo)

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Final squad changes remain possible

Fenerbahce have submitted their match squad to UEFA, although the club retains the right to replace two players up to 24 hours before kickoff.

The registered squad includes Tarik Cetin, Ederson, Mert Gunok, Engin Can Biterge, Kuzey Sapaz, Yasir Cakdi, Caglar Soyuncu, Yigit Efe Demir, Nathan Ake, Mert Muldur, Jayden Oosterwolde, Nelson Semedo, Milan Skriniar, Kamil Efe Uregen, Cagan Saridikmen, Bedirhan Korkmaz, Gokmen Ozdemir, Archie Brown, Ismail Yuksek, Matteo Guendouzi, Fred, Irfan Can Kahveci, Bartug Elmaz, Oguz Aydin, Adnan Fettahoglu, Emin Sayar, Guner Ekici, Emirhan Ates, Talisca, Kerem Akturkoglu, Marco Asensio, Mason Greenwood, Vedat Muric, Anthony Musaba, Sidiki Cherif, Alaettin Ekici and Cagri Fedai.

August 05, 2026 05:02 AM GMT+03:00