Match Overview and Initial Analysis

The third-round match of the 2025/26 Europa League group stage between Lyon (France) and Basel (Switzerland) is scheduled for October 23 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium. This report provides our unique forecast, betting tips, odds, and relevant statistics for the Lyon vs Basel encounter.

Lyon’s Current Performance in Europa League

Paulo Fonseca’s squad is among the elite group of just seven teams that have maintained a flawless record, securing maximum points from their initial two Europa League fixtures. Their away game against Utrecht, however, demanded composure, as Lyon secured a minimal victory courtesy of a solitary goal scored with just 15 minutes remaining. Following this, the French side demonstrated their prowess by comfortably overcoming Salzburg (2:0), effectively deciding the outcome early in the second half. After two matchdays, the club holds the 5th position in the overall tournament standings. A particularly impressive feat is Lyon’s ability to keep clean sheets in both these matches – an accomplishment shared by only two other participating teams. Moreover, their consistent goal-scoring run in the Europa League has now reached seven consecutive games. 

Key Statistics for Lyon

• Lyon has remained undefeated in 10 of their last 11 Europa League clashes (comprising 6 wins and 4 draws).
• At least two goals have been scored in 6 of the team’s most recent 7 matches within this European competition.
• Lyon’s home unbeaten streak in the Europa League now extends to 5 matches (3 victories, 2 draws).

Lyon’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)*

Dominik Greif – Ruben Kluivert, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakate, Nicolas Tagliafico – Mathis de Carvalho, Tanner Tessmann – Adam Karabec, Corentin Tolisso, Pavel Schulz – Martin Satriano. Goalkeeper Rémy Descamps, midfielder Orel Mangala, and forward Ernest Nuamah are currently unavailable due to injuries.

Basel’s Journey in the Europa League

Returning to the Europa League stage for the first time since 2020, Basel commenced their campaign with an away defeat against Freiburg. Despite this less-than-ideal start, the club promptly rebounded a week later by defeating another German opponent, Stuttgart. In their most recent fixture, the Swiss team managed to keep a clean sheet, ending a prior streak of 5 consecutive Europa League matches where they had conceded goals. Furthermore, Basel’s impressive scoring run in this European competition now stands at 11 consecutive matches. Under the guidance of Ludovic Magnin, they currently occupy the 14th position in the tournament table. 

Key Statistics for Basel

• Basel has secured victories in 8 of their last 11 Europa League games.
• The club’s determined run in this tournament includes 14 matches without a draw (10 wins, 4 losses).
• A minimum of three goals have been netted in 5 of the Swiss side’s last 6 Europa League encounters.

Basel’s Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)*

Marvin Hitz – Nicolas Vouilloz, Flavius Daniliuc, Jonas Adjetey, Dominik Schmid – Koba Koindredi, Leo Leroy – Filip Otele, Xherdan Shaqiri, Jeremy Agbonifo – Albian Ajeti. The primary forward, Albian Ajeti, is currently serving a suspension. Defenders Keigo Tsunemoto and Finn van Breemen are unavailable due to injuries.

Referee Profile

Manfredas Lukjancukas (Lithuania)

Matches officiated – 18 (International fixtures, 2024/25-2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 76;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;

Red cards shown – 4;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties awarded – 33%.

Detailed Match Prediction: Lyon vs Basel

Leveraging their structured attacking play and a talented roster of players, Lyon seldom concludes a Europa League match without finding the back of the net. The team has consistently scored in their last 7 appearances in this competition, frequently bagging at least two goals. When playing on home turf, the French side presents a significant challenge to almost any adversary, as evidenced by their 5-game home scoring streak in the Europa League. However, even in their own stadium, Lyon’s defensive solidity is not always guaranteed; consequently, they have only managed three clean sheets in their last 10 home Europa League fixtures. Basel, despite often being considered an underdog, successfully scored in both of their Europa League matches this season. Across all their appearances in this European competition, the club has managed to score at least one goal in 11 consecutive games. It should be noted, however, that prior to their most recent match, the Swiss team had failed to keep a clean sheet in 5 consecutive fixtures. Considering their performance strictly on foreign soil, Basel has consistently found the net in their last 5 Europa League away games. 

Recommended Bet for the Match

Based on the analysis, the most compelling prediction for this encounter is: “Both Teams to Score – Yes” with current odds of 1.61.  * The starting lineup indicated for each team reflects their formation in their previous match within this specific tournament.