Our Lyon vs Crystal Palace prediction is a close, open game with both teams scoring, and a slight edge to the home side. Both clubs won on matchday 1 of the Europa League, Lyon 2-1 away at Anderlecht and Palace 4-0 at home to Lech Poznań, so tonight’s winner will take a big step towards the top eight.
Kick-off at Groupama Stadium is 7:45pm EAT on Thursday 15 October.
Key Facts: Lyon vs Crystal Palace
- Competition: UEFA Europa League, league phase, matchday 2
- Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
- Kick-off: 7:45pm EAT
- Venue: Groupama Stadium, Lyon
- Managers: Paulo Fonseca (Lyon), Pierre Sage (Crystal Palace)
- Matchday 1: Anderlecht 1-2 Lyon, Crystal Palace 4-0 Lech Poznań
- Last five (all competitions): Lyon W-D-W-W-L, Palace L-W-D-L-W
Lyon vs Crystal Palace Prediction: Form Guide
Lyon
Lyon have been in solid form this autumn. Three wins in their last five games show a team that creates plenty, and Paulo Fonseca’s 4-3-3 gets numbers forward quickly. Their matchday 1 win in Brussels was a good result, because Anderlecht are rarely easy to beat at home.
Lyon’s last game ended in defeat, so Fonseca will want a response in front of a big home crowd. They have scored freely in recent weeks, and that attacking threat is the main reason they start as slight favourites.
Crystal Palace
Palace arrive in good spirits after coming from behind to beat Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park on Sunday, a win that spoiled former boss Oliver Glasner’s return to south London. Pierre Sage has kept Palace dangerous on the counter-attack, and their 4-0 win over Lech Poznań on matchday 1 showed how sharp they can be.
The worry for Palace is a growing injury list. Their recent results have swung between wins and defeats, and that inconsistency makes them hard to trust on a trip to one of the bigger stadiums in this competition.
Team News
Lyon injuries
Mohamed Ouédraogo is a long-term absentee for Lyon. Centre-back Moussa Niakhaté and striker Loïs Openda are both doubts, which could weaken Lyon at both ends of the pitch.
Crystal Palace injuries
Palace are without goalkeeper Dean Henderson, striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Chadi Riad. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also a doubt. Losing Mateta hurts most, because he is their most reliable goalscorer, and it puts more pressure on the attacking midfielders to chip in.
Possible line-ups
Lyon (4-3-3): Greif; Athekame, Kluivert, Bacher, Abner; Morton, Tolisso, Bidstrup; Nakamura, Sulc and one more forward.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Benítez; Canvot, Richards and one more centre-back; Khalaili, Wharton, Timber, Mitchell; Kamada, Pino; Larsen.
Key Battle
Adam Wharton against Lyon’s midfield three will decide a lot. If Wharton gets time on the ball, Palace can release Kamada and Pino between the lines. If Lyon press him well, the home side should control long spells and create chances for their front three.
What Is at Stake
With 36 teams in the Europa League league phase and only the top eight going straight into the last 16, early wins matter a lot. A second victory tonight would give either side six points from six, a strong platform before the tougher autumn fixtures arrive. A draw would keep both on track, while defeat would leave the loser needing to make up ground in November.
Prediction and Betting Tips
Both teams arrive full of goals and both have defensive problems, especially Palace without key players. Lyon’s home advantage gives them a small edge, but Palace’s counter-attacking threat means they should get chances. We see goals at both ends.
- Main pick: Both teams to score: Yes
- Alternative: Lyon draw no bet
- Correct score guess: Lyon 2-1 Crystal Palace
Check the latest JetBet odds before kick-off. For more English clubs in Europe this week, read our Arsenal 3-0 Lille report, and find weekend tips on our football predictions page and in the predictions archive. Official fixtures and standings are on the UEFA Europa League website.
FAQ
What time is Lyon vs Crystal Palace in Kenya?
The match kicks off at 7:45pm EAT on Thursday 15 October 2026.
Where is Lyon vs Crystal Palace being played?
The game is at Groupama Stadium, Lyon’s home ground in France.
Is Mateta playing for Crystal Palace against Lyon?
No. Jean-Philippe Mateta is injured and misses the trip, along with Dean Henderson and Chadi Riad.
What is the Lyon vs Crystal Palace prediction?
We expect both teams to score, with Lyon 2-1 Crystal Palace as our correct score guess.
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