Auxerre will face Lille at Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps on Saturday for a pivotal Ligue 1 matchday 16 fixture. Auxerre seeks to enhance their chances of avoiding relegation, while Lille aims for Champions League qualification.
Match Preview
Auxerre recently secured a much-needed victory, defeating Metz 3-1. This win marked their first in ten league matches, lifting them to 16th in the standings. Prior to this triumph, their last win was on September 21 against Toulouse.
Throughout the season, Auxerre has struggled with consistency. They’ve recorded only three wins and suffered nine defeats, failing to replicate last season’s form when they finished 11th after promotion. Coach Christophe Pelissier is under pressure, especially given the team’s lackluster offensive performance, scoring a league-low of 11 goals in 15 matches.
Historical Context
Historically, Auxerre has not fared well against Lille. They have not won this fixture in over 12 years, with their last victory dating back to October 2013 during the Coupe de la Ligue. Since their return to Ligue 1 in 2022, Auxerre has earned just two points against Lille, suffering two losses and drawing twice.
Last season, a match at Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps was significant for Auxerre, as they only managed a draw after being reduced to ten men and having their goalkeeper save a penalty.
Lille’s Current Form
Fourth-placed Lille enters this matchup with a strong record, having won four of their last six league games. Despite a recent defeat to Young Boys in the Europa League, they have scored a total of 29 goals while conceding 17 in 15 Ligue 1 matches. This scoring puts them among the league’s top teams for goals.
Lille demonstrated their offensive dynamism last weekend against Marseille, scoring early within ten minutes. They have frequently found success late in matches, which has been a significant factor in their recent victories.
Defensive Strength
Defensively, Lille has been one of the best teams, allowing only 139 attempts on goal throughout the season. With an average of 9.3 attempts per match, they showcase a solid back line and effective goalkeeping.
Team News
- Auxerre: Ibrahim Osman is a doubt due to a recent injury. However, since he has primarily served as a bench option, his absence may not impact the starting lineup significantly.
- Lille: Coach Bruno Genesio reported that Hamza Igamane is sidelined with an adductor injury. Other potential absentees include Alexsandro Ribeiro and Ousmane Toure. Veteran striker Olivier Giroud is expected to lead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
| Auxerre | Lille |
|---|---|
| Leon | Ozer |
| Sy, Akpa, Diomande, Oppegard | Meunier, Ngoy, Mandi, Perraud |
| Azzouzi, Danois, Matondo | Andre, Bentaleb |
| Sinayoko, Namaso, Mara | Mukau, Haraldsson, Correia |
| Giroud |
Match Prediction
Considering both teams’ circumstances, a narrow win for Lille seems probable. Expect a close match as both clubs aim to build momentum heading into the winter break. Our prediction favors Lille with a final score of 1-0.
