Lyon vs Crystal Palace: Europa League Preview, Team News and Prediction

Pierre Sage returns to face his former club when Lyon host Crystal Palace in the Europa League at Groupama Stadium. Both sides won their opening games, and the reunion makes this one of the most interesting ties of Matchday 2. Follow Lyon vs Crystal Palace live on Score808 for the score, lineups and stats.

Lyon vs Crystal Palace: Kick-Off Time and Venue

• Competition: UEFA Europa League 2026/27, league phase, Matchday 2
• Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
• Kick-off: 19:45 Kenya time (EAT), 18:45 CEST, 17:45 BST, 16:45 UTC
• Venue: Groupama Stadium, Lyon

Where Both Teams Stand

Lyon won their league-phase opener 2-1 at Anderlecht, and Crystal Palace beat Lech Poznań 4-0 at Selhurst Park. Palace sit second in the 36-team table on goal difference, and Lyon are 11th. In the league phase, the top eight go straight to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9th to 24th enter the knockout playoff, so a second win would be valuable for either side.

Lyon: Form and Team News

Paulo Fonseca's side have started the season well. Their last five finished matches:

• Lens 2-1 Lyon (9 Oct, Ligue 1)
• Lyon 4-0 Rennes (19 Sep, Ligue 1)
• Anderlecht 1-2 Lyon (16 Sep, Europa League)
• Paris FC 0-0 Lyon (12 Sep, Ligue 1)
• Lyon 3-1 Auxerre (4 Sep, Ligue 1)

That is three wins, one draw and one defeat. The loss at Lens ended a five-match unbeaten run, but Lyon still sit just three points off the top of Ligue 1. The home record is strong. Lyon have scored in 9 of their last 10 home games, and they have collected seven points from the last nine on offer at home.

The injury list is the main concern. Lois Openda suffered a leg injury against Lens and has been ruled out, though another preview calls him a doubt for the weekend. Mohamed Ouedraogo is expected to miss several months with a cruciate ligament tear, and Nicolas Tagliafico is out with a muscle injury. Moussa Niakhaté is back in low-intensity training but is expected to start on the bench.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Greif; Athekame, Mata, Kluivert, Vinícius; Morton, Tessmann; Boudache, Nartey, Nakamura; Sulc. Keito Nakamura is expected to replace Openda. Other previews list Abner at left-back, so wait for the confirmed lineup.

Crystal Palace: Form and Team News

Palace have been strong in Europe and inconsistent at home. Their last five results:

• Crystal Palace 3-1 Nottingham Forest (11 Oct, Premier League)
• Leeds United 0-0 Crystal Palace (20 Sep, Premier League)
• Crystal Palace 4-0 Lech Poznań (17 Sep, Europa League)
• Crystal Palace 2-3 Ipswich Town (12 Sep, Premier League)
• Fulham 2-3 Crystal Palace (5 Sep, Premier League)

That is three wins, one draw and one defeat. European form is a real strength. Last season's Conference League winners have lost only once in 12 European matches, winning eight. The weakness is away from home. Palace have won only one of their last eight matches on the road in all competitions.

Palace are missing players. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Dean Henderson, Chadi Riad and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all unavailable. Walter Benítez will start in goal in place of Henderson.

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Benítez; Ahanor, Disasi, Richards; Mitchell, Wharton, Timber, Khalaili; Pino, Kamada; Strand Larsen.

Head-to-Head Record

I could not find a recent competitive meeting between the clubs, so this article makes no head-to-head claim. The more relevant story is Sage's return. He is facing the club he previously managed, and has described the reunion as a special moment in his career.

Key Players to Watch

• Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace): Palace's sharpest attacking player recently, with two goals in three games.
• Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace): the creative link behind the striker.
• Jørgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace): nine shots in his last three matches but only one goal, so a chance to improve his finishing.
• Ernest Nuamah (Lyon): he has scored three goals in his last four appearances, according to one preview, and offers direct running against Palace's back three.
• Keito Nakamura (Lyon): expected to step into the attack in place of the injured Openda.

Lyon vs Crystal Palace Prediction

Previews lean towards Lyon but expect goals at both ends:

• LiveScore predicts Lyon 3-1 Crystal Palace.
• TipMan predicts Lyon 2-1 Crystal Palace.
• Football Whispers predicts a 2-2 draw.
• SportyTrader predicts a draw with both teams scoring.

Our view: Lyon's home record gives them the edge, but Palace's attack and European form make a goal for the visitors very likely. A narrow Lyon win, 2-1, looks most likely, with a draw also possible. This is a forecast, not a guarantee.

How to Follow Lyon vs Crystal Palace Live

Open the Lyon vs Crystal Palace match page on Score808 for live updates, lineups and stats. You can also visit the UEFA Europa League hub for tonight's other fixtures, and see team pages for Lyon and Crystal Palace. To catch up on recent form, see Anderlecht vs Lyon and Crystal Palace vs Lech Poznań. Check your local broadcaster for the TV channel.

FAQ

What time is Lyon vs Crystal Palace in Kenya?
Kick-off is 19:45 EAT on Thursday 15 October 2026, which is 16:45 UTC.

Where is the match being played?
At Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France.

How did both teams start in the Europa League?
Lyon won 2-1 at Anderlecht. Crystal Palace beat Lech Poznań 4-0.

Who is injured for Lyon?
Lois Openda, Mohamed Ouedraogo and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Moussa Niakhaté likely on the bench. Check the confirmed lineup before kick-off.

Who manages Crystal Palace?
Pierre Sage, a former Lyon manager.

Who is favourite to win?
Lyon, by a narrow margin.