Auxerre vs Lyon prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-02-16 20:00.
Auxerre might feel Sundayâs 1-1 Ligue 1 draw at bottom side Angers was an opportunity missed, although they deserve credit for recovering after conceding an early own goal. With four teams going down this season, the longer their winless league run continues (D3, L7), the more jittery theyâll become, especially if the four-point gap between them and the side in 16th place increases.
As Auxerre fans havenât even seen their side score in any of their last three home league fixtures (D1, L2) itâs unlikely many of them will be confident of witnessing just a second home win against Lyon in 14 attempts (D2, L10). Itâs an even more improbable proposition when considering both home league wins this term came against the sides immediately above them in 17th and 18th place.
Although some Lyon fans protested against the clubâs management before their latest game against Lens, unhappy with a perceived lack of ambition, they got behind their players who delivered a 2-1 win to make it four league games unbeaten (W3, D1). Closing in on the European qualification spots, three points were just what the doctor ordered for manager Laurent Blanc, who missed the match due to illness.
If Blanc recovers, heâll be heading north to face an Auxerre side with whom he won a domestic double in 1995/96 as a player and no doubt hoping for a good start, as each of his three managerial H2Hs at this venue saw the side scoring first win âto nilâ W2, L1). As Les Gones have won the last four league away fixtures in which they broke the deadlock, an early goal could set them on their way.
Players to watch: Matthis Abline has scored three goals across Auxerreâs last six games, two of them between the 60th and 70th minute, while fellow 19-year-old Rayan Cherki netted in each of Lyonâs last three outings, twice between the 55th and 65th minute.
Hot stat: Auxerre manager Christophe PĂ©lissier has never won a managerial H2H against Lyon (D2, L8).