Anderlecht host Olympique Lyonnais at Lotto Park on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, in the opening match of the UEFA Europa League league phase.
Both sides begin their European campaigns with their expected starting line-ups shaped by different selection considerations. Anderlecht are dealing with several defensive absences, while Olympique Lyonnais have almost their full squad available for the fixture.
Anderlecht
Colin Coosemans is expected to start in goal for Anderlecht, with Marco Kana set to play a key role in midfield. Danylo Sikan should lead the attack.
The home side’s defensive options have been reduced by the absences of Lucas Hey, who has a fracture, Ilay Camara, who has a broken foot, and Killian Sardella, who is suffering from a muscle tear.
Anderlecht’s probable XI: 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
The match is the first of the league-phase schedule for Anderlecht, who will be looking to make home advantage count against their French opponents.
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Lyonnais manager Paulo Fonseca can call on an almost complete squad as his team begin their European campaign.
There is some uncertainty over Julien Duranville, so Ernest Nuamah is expected to start on the right wing. In midfield, Tyler Morton is preferred as the player tasked with adding stability to the team.
Lois Openda, described as Lyon’s key new signing, is set to operate as the central striker and will face Belgian opposition at Lotto Park.
Olympique Lyonnais’ probable XI: 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
The fixture will see Anderlecht begin their first matchday in the UEFA Europa League against Lyon, with both clubs seeking an early result in the league phase.
Ahead of kick-off, betting company 1xbet lists Anderlecht at 3.40 to win. The draw is priced at 3.60, while an Olympique Lyonnais victory is listed at 1.92.