Anderlecht v Lyon: Europa League line-ups take shape ahead of Lotto Park meeting

Anderlecht will host Olympique Lyonnais at Lotto Park on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, in the opening match of the UEFA Europa League league phase. Both clubs are preparing for a demanding start to their European campaigns, with the probable starting sides now emerging.

Anderlecht

Anderlecht are expected to field a strong team despite a number of defensive absences. Colin Coosemans should start in goal, while Marco Kana is set to feature in midfield. Danylo Sikan is likely to lead the attack.

The home side’s defensive options have been reduced by injuries to Lucas Hey, who has suffered a fracture, Ilay Camara, who has a broken foot, and Killian Sardella, who is ruled out with a muscle tear.

The probable Anderlecht XI is:

Goalkeeper: Colin Coosemans

Defenders: Ali Maamar, Giulian Biancone, Leo Petrot, Ludwig Augustinsson

Midfielders: Marten Winkler, Ilias Koutsoupias, Marco Kana, Oliver Antman

Forwards: Tawfik Bentayeb, Danylo Sikan

Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais manager Paulo Fonseca has almost a full squad available as his side begin their European campaign. The main uncertainty concerns Julien Duranville, and Ernest Nuamah is expected to start on the right wing instead.

In midfield, Tyler Morton is preferred as the player tasked with providing greater stability to the team’s shape. Lois Openda, Lyon’s headline signing, is set to operate as the central striker as the French side face their Belgian opponents.

The probable Lyon XI is:

Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif

Defenders: Abner Vinicius, Moussa Niakhate, Felix Bacher, Zachary Athekame

Midfielders: Corentin Tolisso, Tyler Morton, Mads Bidstrup

Forwards: Pavel Sulc, Ernest Nuamah, Lois Openda

Anderlecht and Lyon will meet in the first round of the UEFA Europa League league phase, with the match set to take place at Lotto Park.

Pre-match betting odds list Anderlecht at 3.40 to win, with a draw priced at 3.60 and a Lyon victory at 1.92.