Olympique Lyonnais set for major rotation at Anderlecht

Olympique Lyonnais are set to protect several regulars and test their squad depth in their Europa League league-phase opener at Anderlecht. Paulo Fonseca’s selection reflects the need to manage the schedule before Saturday’s Ligue 1 trip to Rennes, while keeping Lyon’s qualification hopes as the priority.

Rémy Descamps is expected to start in goal, behind Ruben Kluivert, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhaté and Assane Ouédraogo. Niakhaté is the only usual defensive starter likely to retain his place. Tanner Tessmann should anchor a new midfield alongside Tyler Morton and Noah Nartey.

Keito Nakamura is in line for his first start since joining Lyon, operating on the left of an unfamiliar attacking trio. Kail Boudache is expected on the right, with Lois Openda leading the attack. The bench is set to include goalkeepers Bengui and Greif, along with Athekame, Bacher, Tagliafico, Bidstrup, Merah, Šulc, Tolisso, Duranville, Himbert and Nuamah.

The selection gives Fonseca’s new arrivals and younger players an opportunity to contribute in Brussels while preserving key options for the league campaign. It also offers an early test of whether Lyon can compete across both domestic and European schedules with a reshaped team.