Fonseca Names Kluivert in Lyon Starting XI Against Lens

Olympique Lyonnais will rely on nearly the same starting lineup that delivered a 4-0 victory over Rennes when they face Lens in Ligue 1 on Friday evening at 8:45 p.m. Coach Paulo Fonseca has made one change for the league's return after the international break, bringing Ruben Kluivert into defense to replace the injured Moussa Niakhaté.

According to olympique-et-lyonnais.com, Fonseca has retained 10 of the 11 players who started Lyon's emphatic win over Rennes before the international break. Kluivert will partner Felix Bacher, who recently earned international recognition with Austria, in central defense for the sixth round of the Ligue 1 season.

Niakhaté's injury prompted the defensive adjustment, while the remainder of the lineup reflects Fonseca's decision to maintain the team that secured the previous victory. The report also indicated that further changes could come for Lyon's seventh-round fixture against Nice.

Up front, Loïs Openda and Ernest Nuamah will continue as Lyon's attacking partnership. Behind them, Fonseca is expected to use a midfield diamond or a square formation, depending on the players' positioning during the match.

Pavel Šulc will operate between the lines, while Mads Bidstrup and captain Corentin Tolisso will provide support in the central areas. Tyler Morton will occupy the defensive midfield role, serving as the team's No. 6.

Lyon will also have to manage absences at left back. With Mohamed Ouedraogo and Nicolas Tagliafico unavailable, Abner remains the only specialist left-back option identified in the report.

On the opposite flank, Zachary Athekame will retain his place despite having accumulated substantial playing time with Switzerland. The defender has continued to feature for Lyon during what the source describes as a strong start to the season.