For its entry into this league phase of the Europa League at 9 p.m. at Lotto Park in Anderlecht, Olympique Lyonnais will present a very largely overhauled face. Forced to play a series of matches and anxious to preserve certain executives before Saturday’s trip to Ligue 1 against Rennes, Paulo Fonseca has chosen physical freshness.
The Portuguese coach has in fact decided to massively rotate his squad, while relying on a group that he considers more balanced and equipped than last season to compete on several levels. Only a regular starter in the defensive sector should do so.
If in the Rhone cages, Rémy Descamps will take his place as a starter, in front of him, the central hinge will see Moussa Niakhaté play the minutes, associated with the Angolan defender Clinton Mata. On the right flank of the defense, the Dutchman Ruben Kluivert will start, while the four-man defense will be completed by Assane Ouédraogo on the left.
Nakamura’s premiere
In midfield, Fonseca relies on a unique trio. Tanner Tessmann will evolve in a role of sentinel or organizer, supported by Tyler Morton and the young Noah Nartey.
In attack, the animation will be entrusted to a new trident. On the wings, rookie Keito Nakamura will celebrate his first start in Lyon colors on the left side, while Kail Boudache will occupy the right lane. At the forefront, Lois Openda will lead the Lyon attack with the mission of breaking the Belgian barrier.
At a press conference, Paulo Fonseca insisted on the importance of rotation: the priority objective remains qualification for the knockout phase, without compromising the group’s strengths in the championship. This first test in Brussels will allow us to measure the depth of the Lyon bench and offer valuable playing time to recruits like Nakamura and the young promises of the squad.
Probable composition of OL
Descamps – Kluivert, Mata, Niakhaté, Ouédraogo – Tessmann, Morton, Nartey – Boudache, Openda, Nakamura.
Substitutes: Bengui (l.), Greif (l.), Athekame, Bacher, Tagliafico, Bidstrup, Merah, Šulc, Tolisso, Duranville, Himbert, Nuamah.
