2026-2027 Champions League: Sturm Graz vs. Fenerbahçe, Probable Lineups

Sturm Graz and Fenerbahçe face off at 8:30 p.m. in the second leg of the Champions League qualifiers: the Turks hold a 2-0 lead thanks to their victory in the first leg in Istanbul (goals by Talisca and Greenwood). The Austrians will attempt an upset in front of their home crowd, even though the quality and experience of the Yellow-and-Blacks appear to be clearly superior. The winner advances to the playoffs of Europe’s top club competition.

Sturm Graz will field Wlodarczyk and Jatta as their attacking duo, supported by Seidl in the attacking midfield. In midfield are Hodl, Weinhandl, and Stankovic, while the wings will be manned by Heil and Soglo.

Fenerbahçe, which has just signed Romelu Lukaku from Napoli, will play with Talisca as the focal point of the attack, supported by new signing Greenwood, Asensio, and Akturkoglu. In midfield are Kante and former Lazio player Guendouzi, with Semedo and Brown on the wings. Skriniar and Ake form the defensive screen in front of goalkeeper Gunok.

Sturm Graz vs. Fenerbahçe: Probable Lineups
Sturm Graz (4-3-1-2): Khudyakov; Heil, Vallci, Mitchell, Soglo; Hodl, Weinhandl, Stankovic; Seidl; Wlodarczyk, Jatta.
Fenerbahçe (4-2-3-1): Gunok; Semedo, Skriniar, Ake, Brown; Guendouzi, Kante; Greenwood, Asensio, Akturkoglu; Talisca.

The signing of Lukaku is one of the biggest moves of the summer transfer window. The Belgian center forward leaves Napoli after two years, having made 45 appearances in all competitions, scored 15 goals, provided 11 assists, and won a league title in 2025. The transfer was finalized for a fee of around 7 million euros, 40% of which will go to Chelsea under a sell-on clause. To convince Big Rom, the Turkish club offered a contract worth nearly 10 million euros per season.