Thu Jan 23 22:30:00 IST 2025: ## Lyon Aim for Europa League Top Eight, But Key Players Out Against Fenerbahçe
**Lyon, France –** Olympique Lyonnais will attempt to secure a crucial advantage in their bid for a UEFA Europa League top-eight finish when they face Fenerbahçe in Turkey on Thursday. However, their chances will be hampered by the absences of two key players.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles will miss the crucial match due to illness, while Argentinian international Nicolas Tagliafico is suspended. A victory for Lyon could even guarantee their place in the knockout stages, depending on the results of other matches in the group.
Despite the setbacks, Lyon manager Laurent Blanc is expected to field a strong team, with Georges Mikautadze leading the attack in place of captain Alexandre Lacazette, who will start on the bench.
The predicted starting XI is: Lucas Perri; Abner, Moussa Niakhaté, Clinton Mata, Saël Kumbedi; Corentin Tolisso, Nemanja Matic; Malick Fofana, Rayan Cherki, Saïd Benrahma; Georges Mikautadze. The match is set to be a crucial test for Lyon as they look to secure a place in the next phase of the competition.
First Piper 