The lights in Brussels had barely cooled when Lyon turned their attention back to a much bigger domestic test. Paulo Fonseca’s heavily rotated side won 2-1 at Anderlecht on Wednesday, and the Portuguese coach is now set to restore his leading names for Rennes’ visit on Saturday at 20:45.
Key takeaways
- Lyon beat Anderlecht 2-1 in Belgium despite making seven changes to the starting side.
- Fonseca has now won twice this season with a substantially altered XI.
- Rennes arrive on Saturday as rivals in the battle near the top of the table.
- Dominik Greif is expected to return in goal, with Bacher and Niakhaté likely to resume their central-defensive partnership.
- Captain Corentin Tolisso and the attacking trio of Sulc, Openda and Nuamah are also in line to start.
Rotation gives Fonseca a fresher Lyon
Fonseca’s selection gamble worked at Anderlecht, even if Lyon endured a difficult second half after taking control earlier in the match. Seven alterations did not prevent a 2-1 victory, and the result has left the coach with his main players protected ahead of an important Ligue 1 fixture.
The plan is now expected to bring Lyon closer to their strongest available lineup against Rennes. Greif should take back the goalkeeper’s shirt, while Bacher and Niakhaté are tipped to return at the centre of defence.
Tolisso is expected to lead the midfield as captain, with Sulc, Openda and Nuamah set to form the attacking unit. The changes would give Lyon a much more familiar spine after the Belgian trip.
Abner calls for a complete performance
Abner Vinicius is due to begin at left-back and has underlined the need for Lyon to sustain their level across the full match against the Breton side, rather than dominating only before the interval.
“I do not know whether we are mentally stronger this season, but the way we play is more collective,” Abner said. “The players work for the group.”
For Lyon, the Anderlecht win offered both a result and a practical advantage. Saturday’s meeting with Rennes will show whether that extra freshness can be turned into a statement in the race at the top of Ligue 1.
