2026-2027 Europa League: Anderlecht vs. Lyon—Probable Lineups

The 2026-2027 Europa League kicks off: Anderlecht and Lyon face off at 9 p.m. in Belgium in a match counting toward the first matchday of the group stage. In the Jupiler League, the home team is currently in seventh place but on the rise following recent wins over Mechelen and Kortrijk. The visitors are coming off a draw with Paris FC in Ligue 1, where they currently sit in fifth place.

Sikan and Bentayeb form the Belgian team’s attacking duo, with Koutsoupias and Kana in midfield. The wing positions are entrusted to Winkler and Antman.

Lyon will feature former Juventus player Openda as the center forward, with Nuamah, Sulc, and Tolisso in the attacking midfield. In the center of the midfield are Bidstrup and Morton. The fullbacks will be former Milan player Athekame and Abner.

Anderlecht vs. Lyon: Probable Lineups
Anderlecht (4-4-2): Coosemans; Maamar, Biancone, Petrot, Augustinsson; Winkler, Koutsoupias, Kana, Antman; Bentayeb, Sikan.
Lyon (4-2-3-1): Greif; Athekame, Bacher, Niakhate, Abner; Bidstrup, Morton; Nuamah, Sulc, Tolisso; Openda.

Lyon coach Fonseca had this to say about the match: “This year we have a more balanced squad, which gives me the flexibility to make substitutions. We’re facing a tough match on Saturday, and I can’t field the same players. Whoever starts tomorrow deserves it—they’ve worked very hard. Openda? We’re stronger on offense because we have a player of his caliber.”