Liverpool Drop Wirtz and Isak for Fenerbahçe Trip as Five Changes Shake Up Champions League XI

Liverpool have made five changes for their Champions League opener at Fenerbahçe, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak dropping to the bench at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas come into the first XI as Arne Slot reshapes his side for the trip to Istanbul.

The confirmed lineups show Fenerbahçe in a 4-3-3 and Liverpool in a 4-2-3-1. The home side's shape puts three across midfield, while Liverpool's double pivot will look to control the space in front of the back four. Both teams have named attacking lineups, and the tactical question is whether Fenerbahçe's midfield three can overwhelm Liverpool's two in the centre.

Fenerbahçe start in a 4-3-3, with Archie Brown included in the first XI. Brown, the English left-back, has been a standout for Fenerbahçe and scored in their draw with Roma earlier this season. His inclusion gives the home side a natural width on the left and a defender comfortable stepping into midfield. The 4-3-3 also means Fenerbahçe will likely press high and try to pin Liverpool's full-backs, with the front three looking to isolate the visitors' centre-backs.

Liverpool's five changes are the headline. Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, two of the club's biggest summer signings, start on the bench. Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas come into the defence, suggesting Slot is prioritising solidity and experience for a difficult away trip. The 4-2-3-1 will rely on Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to link midfield and attack, with Alisson Becker in goal. The absence of Wirtz and Isak from the start means Liverpool lose some creative spark and penalty-box presence, but gain legs and defensive cover.

Fenerbahçe's 4-3-3 and Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 set up a midfield battle. Fenerbahçe will look to overload the centre and force Liverpool's double pivot to cover wide areas. Liverpool, meanwhile, will try to use their full-backs to stretch Fenerbahçe's back four and create space for Mac Allister and Szoboszlai to run into. The bench options of Wirtz and Isak give Liverpool a strong hand if the game opens up late. For Fenerbahçe, Brown's inclusion is a sign they will attack down the left and test Gomez and Tsimikas.

Kick-off is at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. Both teams have named attacking lineups, and the first goal will likely decide how the tactical battle unfolds.