Lens vs. Auxerre Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 27 April 2025 - bettingexpert

In this Ligue 1 encounter set for 27 April 2025 at 16:15, Lens host Auxerre at the iconic Stade Bollaert-Delelis. With PSG already crowned champions, the focus shifts to these two mid-table teams vying for a strong finish.

Lens, currently 8th with 45 points, find themselves higher up the table than Auxerre, who sit 11th with 38 points. Recent form is similar, with neither team finding consistent success; Lens’ last five matches read WLWLW, while Auxerre’s are DWWLL.

Referee Mathieu Vernice, overseeing the match, typically hands out 4.3 yellow cards per game. Both teams have maintained 2 clean sheets in their last five games, which suggests a balanced match-up. The last encounter between these two sides ended in a 2-2 draw, hinting at another tightly contested fixture.

Considering the close standings and form, a draw is a recommended bet. Lens are bookmaker favourites with odds of 1.58 for a win, but Auxerre’s performance cannot be dismissed. This mid-table clash may not decide the title, but it adds depth and intrigue to the closing rounds of the season.

Expect a tight, competitive game with the potential for limited goals.

Lens vs Auxerre Prediction & Betting tip

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  In this Ligue 1 clash between Lens and Auxerre, a draw is the recommended betting tip. Given both teams’ similar recent form and defensive records, it looks set to be a tightly contested match with little to separate the sides.

• Both teams have kept 2 clean sheets in their last 5 games, indicating strong defensive performances.
• The last encounter between these two sides ended in a balanced 2-2 draw.
• The close standings of 8th and 11th in the table suggest a tight contest with limited goals.

Lens vs Auxerre Odds

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Lens is the favourite for this match, with the odds reflecting their slightly better form and league position. A draw offers a tempting payout, given that both teams have shown strong defensive performances recently. Auxerre, despite their injuries, could surprise, although bookmakers consider it less likely. The close league positions and history of balanced encounters suggest a tight contest.

Lens Team Analysis

Recent Performance

Lens has shown a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, with a pattern of wins and losses (WLWLW). They managed two clean sheets and scored an average of 1 goal per game in this period. Their recent win over Brest was a standout performance, but inconsistency has plagued them. They secured clean sheets against Saint-Etienne and Rennes, proving they can be defensively resilient. Both wins and clean sheets bolster their current position, and with influential players like M’Bala Nzola leading the attack, they are expected to continue competing strongly.

Lens Key Players

Lens can rely on several influential players for their upcoming match against Auxerre. M’Bala Nzola is their top scorer with six goals this season and will be key in the attack. In terms of playmaking, Adrian Thomasson will be critical in the midfield, offering creativity and vision.

The expected lineup for Lens features:

• Goalkeeper: Mathew Ryan
• Defenders: Jonathan Gradit, Malang Sarr, Nidal Celik
• Midfielders: Ruben Aguilar, Adrien Thomasson, Neil El Aynaoui, Anass Zaroury
• Forwards: Florian Sotoca, Goduine Koyalipou, Andy Diouf

Individual battles to watch include Nzola against Auxerre’s central defenders, and Thomasson in midfield against Han-Noah Massengo. These matchups could be crucial in determining the game’s outcome.

Lens Suspensions & Injuries

Lens have several key players sidelined due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Auxerre. The notable absence of Facundo Medina, due to suspension, and multiple injuries might force coach Will Still to adjust his lineup.

Injuries

Suspensions

Medina’s absence will be a blow to the defense, and the long injury list means that Lens will need to rely on squad depth to maintain their recent form.

Lens Tactics and Formation

Lens Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Goduine Koyalipou
• Midfield Quartet: Ruben Aguilar, Adrien Thomasson, Neil El Aynaoui, Anass Zaroury
• Defensive Backbone: Jonathan Gradit, Malang Sarr, Nidal Celik
• Defensive Strength: Lens achieved two clean sheets in the last five games, demonstrating solid defensive coordination.
• Notable Strategy: Lens often focuses on exploiting the flanks with its wing-backs pushing high, allowing for overlapping runs and providing width to their attacking play.

The 3-4-3 formation ensures a balanced attack and defense, offering flexibility in transitions while the trio in the back maintains stability.

Auxerre Team Analysis

Auxerre Recent Performance DWWLL

Auxerre’s recent form shows a mixed bag of results with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five matches. While they secured clean sheets in wins against Rennes and Montpellier, their defense faltered in losses to Lille and Lyon, conceding 6 goals in those two games.

Averaging 1.00 goals scored per game and with a solid defensive showing in some matches, Auxerre displays resilience but inconsistency.

Auxerre Key Players

Expected lineup for Auxerre:

• Goalkeeper: Donovan Leon
• Defenders: Jubal, Sinaly Diomande, Clément Akpa, Ki-Jana Hoever, Gideon Mensah
• Midfielders: Han-Noah Massengo, Assane Dioussé, Gaetan Perrin, Lassine Sinayoko
• Forward: Theo Bair

Auxerre will rely heavily on their top scorer Hamed Traoré, who has netted 10 goals this season. His absence due to injury might significantly impact their attacking potential.

Key individual battles include Theo Bair, a central forward, taking on Lens’ stout defensive setup led by Jonathan Gradit and Malang Sarr.

Midfield dynamics will be crucial, with Han-Noah Massengo and Assane Dioussé expected to contest every inch against Lens’ midfield duo of Adrien Thomasson and Neil El Aynaoui.

Auxerre Suspensions & Injuries

Auxerre faces a challenging task with several key players sidelined due to injuries. The absence of Hamed Junior Traorè, their top scorer, will particularly impact their attacking options. Additionally, the midfield and defense will feel the pressure without the presence of Elisha Owusu and Gabriel Osho.

These injuries could necessitate tactical adjustments from coach Christophe Pélissier, possibly altering formations to compensate for the missing personnel.

Auxerre Tactics and Formation

Auxerre’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Theo Bair
• Midfield Duo: Han-Noah Massengo and Assane Dioussé
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.

Auxerre usually sets up in a solid 5-4-1 formation, focusing on a tight defensive unit. The trio of Jubal, Sinaly Diomande, and Clément Akpa at the back aims to soak up pressure and shield goalkeeper Donovan Leon.

The wide play facilitated by Ki-Jana Hoever and Gideon Mensah provides both defensive coverage and attacking width. In midfield, Han-Noah Massengo and Assane Dioussé act as the primary anchors, focusing on breaking up Lens’ attacks while launching counter-attacks.

In the attacking third, Theo Bair will lead the line, supported by Gaetan Perrin and Lassine Sinayoko, who will look to exploit any gaps in Lens’ defense.

Lens vs Auxerre Head-to-Head Statistics

Lens and Auxerre have had a series of tightly contested encounters in their last five meetings. Lens appears to have the upper hand with three wins and two draws. The most recent match on December 14, 2024, ended in a 2-2 draw, suggesting that this upcoming game could also be highly competitive.

Odds accurate as of 25/04/2025 16:16, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.