Lyon Seeks too Regain Momentum Against Basel in Europa League Clash
LYON, France – Olympique Lyonnais (OL) aims to rebound from consecutive Ligue 1 defeats when they host FC Basel in a Europa League Group Stage match Thursday evening at Groupama Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. local time.
OL enters the match with a perfect record in the Europa League, having secured victories in their first two games. Currently 5th in the Europa League standings, a position would grant them direct qualification to the round of 16.
However, Lyon’s recent form has been shaky, following a 1-2 loss to Toulouse adn a 3-2 setback against Nice. The Basel match presents an opportunity to regain confidence before a Sunday league fixture against strasbourg.
FC Basel’s lineup will feature former Lyon player Xherdan Shaqiri.Their confirmed starting eleven is: Hitz - Vouilloz, Barisic, Daniliuc, Schmid – Metinho, Leroy – Soticek, Shaqiri, Otele – Ajeti.
Lyon will field a team including De Carvalho and Merah: Greif - Maitland-Niles,Mata,Niakhaté,Abner – De Far,Tesmann,Red – Tolisso – Fofana,Satriano.
A UEFA administrative error has ruled Rachid Ghezzal ineligible for further participation in the Europa League group stage, despite his key role in a previous 1-0 win against utrecht. Lyon is not expected to face sanctions as a result.
Authorities have mobilized over 500 police officers and gendarmes to ensure security during the match, anticipating the arrival of 750-800 FC Basel supporters. A procession organized by Basel fans in the Grange Blanche district of Lyon has prompted maximum vigilance.
