Paulo Fonseca tweaks his eleven to face Crystal Palace in Lyon
For their second Europa League match of the season, Olympique Lyonnais host Crystal Palace this Thursday at 18:45 at the Groupama Stadium, under the direction of Paulo Fonseca. The match has a particular dimension, as it is a reunion between the Gones and their former coach, Pierre Sage, now at the helm of the Eagles.
Expected changes in Fonseca's lineup
After the 1-2 defeat suffered last Friday against RC Lens in Ligue 1, Fonseca would consider three changes compared to the lineup that faced the Sang et Or. In midfield, Noah Nartey is expected to replace Mads Bidstrup, while Khalis Merah and Keito Nakamura are being eyed to strengthen the attacking area.
Merah would be called upon to numerically replace Belgian Loïs Openda, who is suffering from a fracture of the right fibula sustained against RC Lens. Nakamura, a Japanese international, would take Pavel Sulc's place, thus giving Fonseca more attacking options.
Probable line‑ups of both teams
The Gones could line up: Greif – Athekame, Bacher, Kluivert, Abner – Morton, Nartey, Tolisso – Nuamah, Merah, Nakamura. For their part, Crystal Palace would likely be: Benitez – Richards, Disasi, Canvot – Mingueza, Wharton, Timber, Mitchell – Kamada, Nketiah, Pino.
Lyon considers winter loan for Loïs Openda despite injury
Both clubs come into the match victorious from the first matchday of the group stage, Lyon after a 1-2 win over Anderlecht and Crystal Palace following a 4-0 success against Lech Poznan. They will look to confirm this strong start in the competition.
Fonseca will have to cope with the absence of his Belgian striker Loïs Openda, while trying to push back Pierre Sage's Crystal Palace. The match will be an opportunity for the Portuguese coach to prove that the envisaged adjustments will be enough to get Lyon back on the road to victory.
The result of this duel will determine whether Olympique Lyonnais can chain a second consecutive Europa League win and meet expectations after the setback against RC Lens.