Anderlecht vs Lyon – News and Probable Lineups

As Anderlecht and Lyon begin their journeys towards possible continental success, they will meet at Lotto Park for the opening round of the League Phase matches in the Europa League on Wednesday night.

Les Mauve et Blanc progressed to this point after winning their playoff tie earlier this season, while Les Gones are recovering from a setback in Champions League qualifying.

Match overview

After finishing a commendable fourth in the 2025-26 Belgian Pro League, Anderlecht entered the second round of Europa League qualifying, having already played six continental matches this season.

Les Mauve et Blanc overcame the challenges presented by Hammarby, PAOK, and former Champions League competitors Kairat Almaty to reach the League Phase, achieving five victories and one draw in their European matches.

A positive aspect ahead of Wednesday’s fixture at Lotto Park is that Anderlecht has secured three consecutive wins in European home fixtures throughout the 2026-27 season, scoring three goals in each of those encounters.

Moreover, Les Mauve et Blanc are enjoying an unbeaten streak of three matches (W2 D1) in domestic action since suffering a 3-0 defeat at Union SG on August 30, and striker Danylo Sikan has scored five goals in six Europa League games to date.

After placing just one point and one position behind Lille in third in last season’s Ligue 1, Lyon found themselves battling for their Champions League spot during the qualification rounds, ultimately failing to advance past Fenerbahce after defeating Sparta Prague over two legs.

This resulted in the untimely end of Les Gones’ European ambitions; however, the French club remains a top contender for the Europa League title this season, kicking off their campaign in Bélgica this week.

Since their painful defeat to Fenerbahce at Groupama Stadium on August 28, Lyon has achieved three consecutive Ligue 1 matches without a defeat, which has seen them climb to fifth in the league standings.

The forward line of Les Gones was slightly weakened towards the end of the summer transfer window with Malick Fofana moving to Sunderland, yet the French side has successfully retained the services of their creative talent Pavel Sulc.

Team News

Anderlecht will be without defender Killian Sardella, who is recovering from a muscle injury sustained over the summer.

Additionally, center-back Lucas Hey, who recently broke his leg, aims to make a return in the New Year, further limiting the defensive options for Les Mauve et Blanc.

Ilay Camara is also questionable for the continental match at Lotto Park as he is coping with a persistent foot issue.

Despite featuring only twice for Lyon this season following his summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund, Julien Duranville is ruled out due to a muscle problem.

After keeping a clean sheet at Paris FC over the weekend, Les Gones are likely to continue with a center-back pairing of Moussa Niakhate and Felix Bacher.

Anderlecht probable starting XI:

Coosemans; Maamar, Biancone, Petrot, Augustinsson; Winkler, Koutsoupias, Kana, Antman; Bentayeb, Sikan

Lyon probable starting XI:

Greif; Athekame, Bacher, Niakhate, Abner; Bidstrup, Morton; Nuamah, Sulc, Tolisso; Openda

Following a string of strong home performances in Europa League qualifying, Anderlecht will aim to maintain their impressive momentum as they enter the League Phase.

Conversely, the visit from Lyon to Lotto Park presents a significantly more formidable challenge for the Belgian side.