The Matchday 31 clash in Ligue 1 between Lens and Auxerre will take place on April 27 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Lens vs. Auxerre: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Lens
The team extended their uncompromising streak in Ligue 1 to 15 matches (7 wins, 8 losses) by defeating Brest 3-1 in the last round. Thanks to this victory, Lens climbed to 8th place in the league standings, reducing the gap to the European competition zone to 6 points. Additionally, the club has achieved a positive goal difference in the current championship with figures of 35:33. Despite the high-scoring match in the previous round, Lens's matches still feature the fewest goals in the current Ligue 1 season (2.3 goals per game).
- No more than 2 goals have been scored in 5 of the team's last 6 matches in the French championship.
- One opponent failed to score in 5 of Lens's last 6 Ligue 1 matches.
- The club's uncompromising home streak in this tournament stands at 12 matches (5 wins, 7 losses).
Predicted lineup for Lens (3-4-3)
Mathew Ryan – Facundo Medina, Malang Sarr, Jonathan Gradit – Ruben Aguilar, Adrien Thomasson, Neil El Aynaoui, Anass Zaroury – Goduine Koyalipou, Andy Diouf, Florian Sotoca.
Defender Facundo Medina will miss the game due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Auxerre
Auxerre suffered defeats in their last two championship matches, both by a score of 1-3, losing to Lyon and Lille. As a result, the team dropped to 11th place in the standings of the elite French division. Nevertheless, Auxerre's lead over the relegation zone remains comfortable at 11 points. Despite recent losses, the club continues to score regularly, finding the net in 6 consecutive Ligue 1 matches. In the first round, Auxerre drew 2-2 with Lens.
- The team has not lost in 7 of their last 10 league matches (4 wins, 3 draws).
- The club's scoring away streak in the elite French division stands at 6 matches.
- A goal was scored in both halves in 6 of Auxerre's last 8 away Ligue 1 matches.
Predicted lineup for Auxerre (5-4-1)
Donovan Leon – Ki-Jana Hoever, Sinaly Diomande, Jubal, Clement Akpa, Gideon Mensah – Gaetan Perrin, Han-Noah Massengo, Assane Diousse, Lassine Sinayoko – Theo Bair.
Referee
Mathieu Vernice (France)
Matches – 13 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 55;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 15%.
Match Prediction: Lens vs. Auxerre
The hosts secured an important victory in the previous round against one of their competitors for European spots, surpassing Brest in the standings. They are now just 6 points away from the coveted top six. Therefore, I don't expect the hosts to slow down, given their motivation. On the other hand, the visitors are only competing for local positions at the end of the season. Auxerre is in the middle of the Ligue 1 table, 13 points behind the European competition zone and 11 points ahead of the relegation zone.
Moreover, Auxerre's schedule is challenging, with tough matches against Lyon and Lille followed by an away game against Lens, who are traditionally strong at home. Additionally, since their return to the elite French championship, Auxerre has struggled against Lens, earning just 1 point in 3 head-to-head meetings (1 draw, 2 losses).
I believe the motivated hosts should secure 3 points in the upcoming match. My prediction: Lens to win