Liverpool vs Fenerbahce Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Champions League

Liverpool is perfect in the phase and scoring in bunches, but Fenerbahce at home is a different animal from the side that has struggled on its European travels, and Istanbul has a way of dragging favorites into its game.

The Matchup

Liverpool's phase form is formidable, twelve goals scored in three matches, including six at LASK Linz and four in the win over Villarreal. Fenerbahce's European form is the opposite, winless and nine goals conceded. Split the home side by venue, though, and the picture changes completely. Fenerbahce has scored sixteen goals across four home league matches this season and lost a tight Istanbul derby 2-1 to Galatasaray on October 26, a game that showed the level this side reaches in its own stadium.

Neither club has named its side yet. The expectation is Romelu Lukaku leading the line for Fenerbahce with Mason Greenwood alongside him, the front pairing from the derby, in a 4-2-3-1.

Liverpool is expected to keep the side that beat Brighton on October 25, with Alexander Isak leading the line and Florian Wirtz behind him; Isak is expected to start after starting that match, though his minutes were managed in the midweek round before it. Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong are doubts after missing the Brighton game, and neither is expected to be rushed back for this trip.

Key Factors

Fenerbahce's home attack is not a small-sample illusion built on one game. The goals are spread across the home schedule, three against Alanyaspor and four against Konyaspor among them, and Lukaku gives the side a focal point who occupies both center backs and lets Greenwood play off the second balls. Liverpool's away defending in Europe has been generous, three conceded at LASK Linz and three scored by Villarreal at Anfield, because this team commits so many players forward that the space behind its midfield is real.

The honest counterpoint is the phase table and the 6-0 defeat Fenerbahce took at Aston Villa, which showed what happens when this defense meets a ruthless attack away from home comforts. Liverpool's front line is at that level, and if the visitors score twice early, the home crowd's energy turns to anxiety. But Liverpool does not need to win by two for this to be a good game, and Fenerbahce does not need to win it at all. A loud home start and one Lukaku moment keeps the hosts inside the number.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.