Anderlecht vs Lyon prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
In the 1st round of the Europa League main phase on September 16, 2026, Anderlecht will face Lyon. Both sides will be looking to secure a positive result.
Anderlecht vs Lyon team news and expert analysis
The Brussels club finished fourth last season after a difficult campaign, but a strong finish helped them climb the table. At the start of the new Pro League campaign, they have alternated between wins and defeats. In the latest round, they secured a narrow away victory over Mechelen thanks to the only goal of the match. Olympique managed to claim fourth place in Ligue 1 in 2025/2026 after a hard-fought battle. Following the summer break, they began with a victory away to Toulouse, but settled for a draw against Le Havre in the second round. After beating Auxerre, they were then held to a goalless draw away to Paris.
The Belgians began their European campaign back in the summer. They drew only their opening match away to Hammarby, after which they went on to win every game, beating the Swedish side and then defeating PAOK in both matches (1-0, 3-2) and Kairat twice (3-0 on both occasions).
The French side began their campaign in the Champions League. They immediately suffered a defeat to Sparta Prague, but then thrashed the Czechs at home to progress. However, after drawing in Istanbul against Fenerbahce, they unexpectedly collapsed in the return leg at home. Losing 1-2, the ambitious club was forced to drop into the less prestigious European competition.
Head to Head matches: Anderlecht vs Lyon
The clubs met in the Champions League in 2003 and 2009. The French side won three of the four encounters, suffering just one defeat.
The visitors are expected to win in what should be an entertaining game. However, the French side have not been particularly impressive away from home, so we are backing under 3.0 total goals (odds – 1.78).
Anderlecht vs Lyon: key statistics and trends
- Anderlecht have won five matches in a row in the Europa League
- Anderlecht score an average of 0.67 goals and concede 0.83 goals per match
- 17% of Anderlecht's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 1.5 goals per game
- Lyon have won three of their seven matches
- Lyon score an average of 1.5 goals and concede 0.5 goals per match
- 50% of Lyon's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.0 goals per game
Anderlecht vs Lyon: Possible starting lineups
Anderlecht play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Coosemans - Augustinsson, Petro, Biancone, Maamar - Kana, Liassana - Nga Kana, Sikan, Ambros - Tsvetkovich
Lyon play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Greif - Abner Vinicius da Silva Santos, Niakate, Kluivert, Maitland-Niles - Tolisso, Morton, Tessmann - Fofana, Openda, Nuamah
Follow the Europa League standings and keep up to date with your team's form before placing a bet on the next match.
