Auxerre vs Le Havre prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2025-05-03 15:15.
[p]With mathematical safety from relegation confirmed, Auxerre can start planning for a second successive season in Ligue 1. It’s the first time they’ve stayed up in the top flight since 2010/11, and that was also the last time they secured a top-half finish in Ligue 1, something they could yet achieve this season, as a finish as high as eighth is still a possibility.[/p]
[p]Despite losing the reverse H2H 3-1, a clash with Le Havre should stand them in good stead to make inroads on the sides above them, as Auxerre have faced Le Havre more often than any other opponent in Ligue 1 without ever losing at home (W10, D4). Auxerre could now win four such H2Hs in a row for the first time in history, but a mere two wins from their last nine Ligue 1 home games (D5, L2) suggest they should approach this game with caution.[/p]
[p]Le Havre find themselves in a much more desperate position as they start this round in the relegation play-off spot and two points adrift of definite safety. A three-match winless run (D1, L2) certainly hasn’t helped their quest to avoid a first Ligue 1 relegation since 2008/09, but hitting the road, where Le Havre have lost just twice in their last seven Ligue 1 games (W3, D2, L2), could help inspire a change in fortunes. [/p]
[p]In fact, Le Havre have picked up six more points on the road this season (17) than they have at home (11), the biggest margin of difference of any side pre-round. It’s worth noting that 11 of those 17 points have come against fellow bottom-six sides, and against sides above there, a category Auxerre fall into, success has been far more limited (W2, L8).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Auxerre’s Ado Onaiwu scored a brace in their 4-0 win over Lens last round, and having found the net in both prior personal H2Hs against Le Havre, he could now score in successive club appearances for the first time since April 2024. Abdoulaye TourĂ© closed the scoring in the reverse fixture in the 98th minute – his last five club goals came before half-time though. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Auxerre are the only Ligue 1 team who haven’t scored before the 15th minute at home this season. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Chris Wilson[/i][/p]