Fenerbahce return to UEFA Champions League qualifying on Tuesday evening when Polish side Gornik Zabrze visit the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium for the first leg of their second qualifying round tie.

Both clubs finished as runners-up in their domestic leagues last season, but the expectations could hardly be more different. While Fenerbahce are targeting a place in the league phase, Gornik are looking to continue a remarkable resurgence after ending a lengthy wait for major silverware.

Fenerbahce aiming to make home advantage count

Fenerbahce enter another European campaign determined to finally reach the Champions League league phase after falling short in recent seasons.

A turbulent year has seen another managerial change, with Ismail Kartal returning for a fourth spell in charge following Domenico Tedesco’s departure. The experienced coach has inherited an ambitious squad that has been strengthened significantly during the summer, even if several high-profile arrivals are not yet available for selection.

The hosts have looked sharp during pre-season, winning all three friendlies while scoring 11 goals, including an encouraging 2-1 victory away to LASK Linz.

Kartal is expected to unleash an attacking quartet featuring Marco Asensio, Irfan Can Kahveci, Talisca and Kerem Aktürkoğlu, while Milan Skriniar will captain the side from central defence. N’Golo Kante is unavailable after his extended involvement at the World Cup, and new signings Vedat Muriqi, Nathan Aké and Mason Greenwood have not been included in the matchday squad.

Gornik hoping to spring a European surprise

Gornik Zabrze return to European competition full of confidence after one of the club’s most successful seasons in decades.

The Polish side narrowly missed out on the Ekstraklasa title but lifted their first major trophy in 38 years, securing a place in Champions League qualifying and reigniting memories of the club’s proud European history.

Michal Gasparik’s team have already begun their competitive campaign, although a 3-1 defeat to Lech Poznan in the Polish Super Cup highlighted the challenge awaiting them in Istanbul.

The visitors must cope without suspended goalkeeper Tomasz Loska, meaning Philipp Schulze is expected to deputise between the posts. Jaroslaw Kubicki also misses out after suffering a fractured arm, while new striker Emil Prekop is set to lead the attack following his summer arrival from Slavia Prague.

Despite selling key midfielder Lukas Ambros, Gornik remain a well-organised side capable of causing problems on the counter-attack.

Verdict: Fenerbahce should take control of the tie

Fenerbahce possess superior quality throughout the squad and will expect to make their dominance count in front of a packed home crowd.

Gornik have enjoyed an excellent rise over the past year and arrive with genuine belief, but this represents a significant step up in class. If the Turkish giants reproduce the attacking fluency shown during pre-season, they should establish a healthy advantage before next week’s second leg in Poland.

Tip

Fenerbahce to win.