Lyon – Celta Vigo predicted XI: Malick Fofana and Pavel Sulc return
lyon – celta vigo sees Olympique Lyonnais name a strengthened matchday squad with Malick Fofana and Pavel Sulc back for the second leg. The returns arrive as Lyon prepare to meet Celta Vigo in the UEFA Europa League, kickoff listed 0-0 on 03/19/2026 ET. Both players are available for selection but are not guaranteed starts, changing selection options for the manager.
Lyon – Celta Vigo predicted XI and availability
The biggest immediate change for lyon – celta vigo is the fitness returns: Malick Fofana, out for several months, is now fit enough to rejoin the matchday squad; Pavel Sulc, absent for several weeks, is also back and expected to occupy a bench role. Afonso Moreira is included in the squad after an absence as well. The club appears set for a largely familiar lineup with Endrick partnering Roman Yaremchuk up front in the likely starting XI.
Players currently unavailable for selection are Ruben Kluivert, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Ernest Nuamah, and Rémi Himbert; those absences hold selection consequences through the rest of the tie. The working lineup listed ahead of kickoff is: Dominik Greif in goal; Nicolas Tagliafico, Moussa Niakhaté and Clinton Mata across the backline; Abner, Corentin Tolisso, Tyler Morton and Steeve Kango in midfield; Noah Nartey supporting the front two of Roman Yaremchuk and Endrick. That group will form the base plan unless the coaching staff alters the starting XI late on.
Immediate reactions and match implications
Club staff have pushed the returns of Fofana and Sulc onto the bench as tactical depth rather than guaranteed starters, a cautious approach reflecting their recent absences. The inclusion of both forwards gives the manager fresh options to change the game from the bench if the first XI struggles to break down Celta Vigo. With the squad showing only limited changes elsewhere, the match promises continuity for Lyon’s shape and personnel in this decisive second-leg setting.
Time-sensitive note: kickoff status is listed as 0-0 at 03/19/2026 ET; lineups and any late changes will be confirmed at match release and at kickoff. Expect the final selection to clarify whether Fofana or Sulc will be thrown into action early or held for a tactical impact later in the tie.
What’s next: managers will name their confirmed starting XIs at match release and the second-leg flow will determine whether the returning forwards play substitute roles or reclaim starting berths. Fans and analysts will watch the bench closely for signs of rotation or an attacking switch if Lyon seek a decisive result in this Europa League tie. lyon – celta vigo remains poised for a tactical chess match as the teams move toward kickoff on 03/19/2026 ET.
