Liverpool’s Champions League campaign has provided plenty of encouragement during an otherwise inconsistent start to the season. On Wednesday evening, however, Andoni Iraola’s side face an altogether different challenge as they travel to Istanbul to take on Fenerbahçe.

Three matches have brought three victories, with Atlético Madrid, LASK and Villarreal all beaten in a convincing opening to the league phase. Liverpool have scored 12 goals across those fixtures and now have the opportunity to move onto 12 points, taking another significant step towards qualification for the knockout stages.

Yet the circumstances surrounding this particular fixture make it far from straightforward.

Liverpool arrive in Turkey following Sunday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield. Despite enjoying periods of pressure, the hosts failed to register a single shot on target from 17 attempts, with Iraola subsequently identifying shortcomings in his side’s movement inside the penalty area.

The Liverpool head coach was encouraged by aspects of the performance but acknowledged that improvements are required in the final third. His team must now demonstrate that they can turn possession and attacking pressure into a more consistent threat against an opponent who will be desperate to make an impression in front of their own supporters.

Iraola has made no secret of the challenge awaiting his players at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

Liverpool’s historic connection with Istanbul is impossible to ignore, particularly given the events of the 2005 Champions League final. However, the manager knows that the memories of that famous night will offer little assistance once Wednesday’s contest gets underway.

“Istanbul is always going to be special for Liverpool,” he said. “It is difficult to find a better night in football, a comeback like that one on such an important night.”

His focus, though, was firmly on the task ahead.

Fenerbahçe possess considerable experience and technical quality, particularly in midfield, and Iraola believes Liverpool must prevent the hosts from establishing confidence through possession.

“If we allow them a lot of time on the ball or we don’t press them properly, we are going to suffer,” he explained.

The instruction is clear: Liverpool must start strongly, impose themselves on the contest and avoid allowing the home crowd to become an increasingly influential presence.

There will be a familiar face in the opposing dugout, with former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt taking charge of Fenerbahçe on an interim basis.

The Dutchman returned to the Turkish club as an assistant during the summer before stepping into the managerial role following the departure of the previous coaching staff.

His appointment adds an intriguing subplot to an already significant European fixture, although Liverpool will be aware that the managerial change creates an element of uncertainty.

Iraola acknowledged that there is less recent footage available of Fenerbahçe under Kuyt, but believes the personnel and overall approach remain largely familiar.

“We know most of the players, we know the team,” he said. “I don’t think they’ve changed the style too much.”

Fenerbahçe are still searching for their first victory in the league phase, having collected two points from their opening three matches. Their recent domestic form has also been disappointing, with consecutive 2-1 defeats adding to the pressure surrounding the club.

Nevertheless, Liverpool should not mistake that uncertainty for an absence of quality. Romelu Lukaku, N’Golo Kanté and Mattéo Guendouzi are among the experienced players available to the hosts, while their attacking options possess the ability to punish defensive mistakes.

Liverpool will be without Ryan Gravenberch, who has not travelled to Turkey because of a heel fracture.

Iraola confirmed that the midfielder has been experiencing discomfort and was not fully confident when warming up ahead of the Arsenal match. His availability for the weekend remains dependent on how the injury develops.

His absence places further attention on Liverpool’s midfield options, particularly given the growing involvement of Trey Nyoni.

The teenager has featured regularly in recent weeks and started against Arsenal, with Iraola offering a strong endorsement of his development.

“He is playing most of the games – or even all the games lately – so we trust him,” the manager said.

Dominik Szoboszlai is another important option after returning to the fold, while Alexis Mac Allister will be expected to provide experience and control in the middle of the pitch.

Iraola also spoke about the need to manage the physical development of younger players, highlighting the demands of competing every three or four days. Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas are all gaining valuable senior experience, but the manager recognises that adapting to the intensity of regular first-team football takes time.

The contrast between Liverpool’s European and domestic performances is becoming increasingly noticeable. Their 12 goals in three Champions League fixtures stand in comparison to 11 goals across nine Premier League matches.

Iraola was reluctant to draw significant conclusions from that disparity, stressing that it remains early in the campaign. Nevertheless, Wednesday provides an opportunity to maintain momentum in a competition that has so far offered a more positive picture.

Liverpool’s challenge is to combine the attacking fluency they have demonstrated in Europe with the discipline required to withstand an intimidating away atmosphere.

Fenerbahçe will have the backing of their supporters and the motivation of facing one of Europe’s leading sides. Kuyt’s presence only adds to the occasion.

For Liverpool, the objective is much simpler. A fourth consecutive Champions League victory would put them in an excellent position, but achieving it will require a considerably sharper performance than the one produced against Arsenal.

Istanbul has delivered some of the most memorable nights in Liverpool’s history. Iraola will be hoping Wednesday provides another reason for the travelling supporters to celebrate.