After an emphatic opening week victory over Lech Poznań, Palace face arguably their toughest test of the UEFA Europa League league phase so far as they travel to France to take on Lyon.
Both sides began their European campaigns with victories, making this an early battle between two clubs with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages.
The Story So Far
Palace announced themselves on the European stage by winning the Conference League last season and have followed that up with a stunning 4-0 victory over Lech Poznań, leaving them second in the league-phase table after Matchday 1. Meanwhile, Lyon secured an impressive 2-1 away win at Anderlecht to collect their own three points.
The Eagles arrive in France on a high following Saturday’s 3-1 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest, a result that maintained the momentum generated by their European opener.
Lyon’s Form
The French side remain one of the Europa League’s strongest squads on paper and will be formidable opponents in front of a passionate home crowd.
Recent form:
- Lens 2-1 Lyon ❌
- Lyon 4-0 Rennes ✅
- Anderlecht 1-2 Lyon ✅
- Paris FC 0-0 Lyon ➖
- Lyon 3-1 Auxerre ✅
Despite the recent defeat to Lens, Lyon have started the new campaign well by showing plenty of attacking quality and scoring freely throughout the opening months of the season.
Team News
Lyon may be without striker Loïs Openda, who suffered a leg injury against Lens and is reportedly expected to miss the Palace fixture. His absence would be a significant blow to manager Paulo Fonseca’s attacking plans.
Palace are expected to welcome back Dean Henderson and Axel Disasi, while Ismaila Sarr is pushing for a start. Jean-Philippe Mateta could make the bench.
Palace’s Form
Palace’s first Europa League campaign has continued the remarkable momentum built from last season’s Conference League triumph.
Recent form:
- Crystal Palace 3-1 Nottingham Forest ✅
- Leeds United 0-0 Crystal Palace ➖
- Crystal Palace 4-0 Lech Poznań ✅
- Ipswich Town 3-2 Crystal Palace ❌
- Crystal Palace 3-0 Middlesbrough ✅
European competition appears to have brought out the best in Palace, with the Eagles looking organised defensively and clinical in attack.
Key Battle
Wharton & Timber vs Lyon’s Midfield
Much of Palace’s success will depend on how effectively Adam Wharton can dictate possession and launch attacks from deep, while complemented by the tenacity shown by Quinten Timber alongside him. Lyon possess a technically gifted midfield, and controlling the centre of the pitch could determine the outcome. Wharton’s composure and passing range may be crucial if Palace are to withstand periods of pressure, but he does need to find his form after struggling so far this season.
What Palace Must Do
- Stay compact defensively during Lyon’s expected fast start.
- Exploit transitions through the pace of their wide players.
- Make set-pieces count against a physically strong French side.
- Silence the home crowd with a disciplined first-half performance.
TEB Verdict
This feels like Palace’s biggest European examination since lifting the Conference League trophy. Lyon have quality, experience and home advantage, but Palace’s confidence is growing with every continental outing.
The French side will dominate spells of possession, but Palace have shown enough resilience and attacking threat to take something from the trip to France.
Prediction
Lyon 1-1 Crystal Palace
A hard-fought point in France would represent an excellent result for the Eagles and keep them firmly on course for a top-eight finish in the Europa League table.
