Auxerre vs Lyon prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2025-04-12 18:45.
[p]Auxerre’s last two seasons in Ligue 1 have ended in relegation, so when they were winless in eight league games (D4, L4) and languishing just six points above the bottom three after a 4-2 defeat to Monaco in February, supporters may have been forgiven for fearing the worst. Since then, the turnaround has been remarkable, with AJA banishing any concerns of the drop by losing just once in eight outings (W4, D3).[/p]
[p]The most recent of those was a 1-0 victory away to Rennes, which means Christophe Pélissier’s side enter this round 12 points clear of trouble. One of the reasons behind their recent success is keeping back-to-back Ligue 1 clean sheets for the first time since April 2023, while the 11 goals Auxerre have conceded on home soil – where they have picked up nearly 70% of their 38 points – is a joint-low for the division.[/p]
[p]Keeping that run going against opponents Lyon, who have scored in 23 of their last 24 league outings, will not be easy. In fact, a 2-1 success against Lille in their most recent Ligue 1 fixture means Les Gones have netted at least twice in nine successive top-flight matches, with the six wins they have picked up during that period (L3) coming in spite of manager Paulo Fonseca serving a nine-month touchline ban.[/p]
[p]In his absence, Lyon moved into fifth place ahead of this round, just one point behind Strasbourg. They are also still going strong in Europe, drawing 2-2 with Manchester United in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final on Thursday. Supporters will be hoping there are no signs of fatigue from that match, as Lyon attempt to extend a run of just two defeats in the last 14 away H2Hs (W10, D2).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Auxerre’s Gaëtan Perrin, who is playing against his former club, has scored 10 of his last 11 goals before half-time. Rayan Cherki salvaged Lyon a draw in midweek with a stoppage-time leveller – his last five club goals have all arrived on or beyond the 70th minute.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Auxerre are unbeaten in home league games in which they have scored first this season (W6, D2).[/p]
[p][i]Written by Matt Jones[/i][/p]