Anderlecht in strong form ahead of Europa League opener against Lyon

Anderlecht begin their Europa League campaign on Thursday evening with a home match against Olympique Lyon at Lotto Park. The Brussels side enter the fixture in strong form, following a 1-0 victory away to KV Mechelen last weekend.

That win, secured by a Tawfik Bentayeb goal in the 43rd minute, was their third in the last five matches across all competitions. Anderlecht currently sit 7th in the Jupiler Pro League with 10 points from six games. Brian Riemer's team have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five outings.

The lineup against Mechelen was a 4-4-2 formation with Colin Coosemans in goal. The defence featured Adil Maamar, Giulian Biancone, Louis Pétrot and Ludwig Augustinsson. The midfield consisted of Marco Winkler, Ilias Koutsoupias, Mandela Kana and Oliver Antman, with Bentayeb and Danylo Sikan up front.

Lyon travel to Brussels after a draw against Paris FC in Ligue 1. The French side, who qualified for Europe last season, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 system against Paris FC. Goalkeeper Daniel Greif was protected by a defence of Ziyad Athekame, Florent Bacher, Moussa Niakhaté and Abner. The midfield pivot was Morten Bidstrup and Tyler Morton, with Ernest Nuamah, Patrik Šulc and Corentin Tolisso supporting striker Loïs Openda.

This is Anderlecht's first European match of the season. The team can rely on a solid home record, having already taken points against Genk and Kortrijk there this term. After the Lyon match, an important league fixture against 5th-placed Zulte Waregem awaits on Sunday. Fans can check the full fixtures list and the current standings.