Lineups, issues, history of confrontations, discover the essential information you need to know a few hours before the match Auxerre – RC Lens on behalf of the 15th day of Ligue 1.
Towards an unprecedented three-pass?
After the successes against Reims and Montpellier, RC Lens would like to continue against AJ Auxerre. A three-pass that Will Still's men have yet to achieve this season in Ligue 1. However, the task will not be easy at Abbé Deschamps, where the Auxerrois have only lost once so far (5 wins and 1 draw), against AS Monaco. However, the Lensois can rely on new certainties since the switch to 4-2-3-1, with still no goals conceded and above all a less predictable offensive animation. Before the winter break, the challenge will also be to stay firmly in the wagon of the contenders for Europe.
El Aynaoui relaunched?
And Deiver Machado returns from suspension, the Colombian should be the big loser of RC Lens' change of system. While Facundo Medina gives satisfaction in the left lane, Will Still does not really have a valid reason to change his mind, especially after two matches without the slightest goal conceded. In the heart of the game, Andy Diouf remains in two more sluggish matches. Replaced each time by Neil El Aynaouithis time he could leave his place from the kick-off to his partner. Offensively, Wesley Saïd's injury prevents any debate around the presence of M'Bala Nzola.
Will Still knows what to expect
“It’s going to be a good match, because Auxerre are very strong at home. Since they came back, they have had a very positive assessment. They are the third best home team. They beat some teams by a huge score. They held Paris in check, even if there was a great performance from their goalkeeper. We are going to have to be very, very good, we know that. It’s a well-established club structure, a well-organized team structure, with a system that is well in place. They are extremely dangerous during moments of transition. We took the time to analyze their squad, their strengths, their weaknesses. This is going to be a really interesting match. »
The history: advantage Lens
In the 75 confrontations between the two teams since 1980, RC Lens dominates AJ Auxerre by a short head with a record of 27 wins, 25 draws and 23 losses. While knowing that the current dynamic is largely favorable to the Sang et Or, who have won four of these last matches (1 draw). Auxerre being in Ligue 2 last season, the very last confrontation dates back to June 2023. That day, the Lensois ended a historic season by winning at the Abbé Deschamps stadium, including a double ofAlexis Claude-Maurice. A fatal result for the Burgundians, relegated despite a good start at the end of the season.
The latest confrontations:
L1 – 03/06/23 : Auxerre – Lens : 1-3 (Claude-Maurice *2, Openda)
L1 – 14/01/23 : Lens – Auxerre: 1-0 (Frankowski)
L2 – 21/10/19: Lens – Auxerre: 0-0
L2 – 09/03/19: Lens – Auxerre: 2-0 (Gomis, Kyei)
L2 – 06/10/18 : Auxerre – Lens : 1-2 (Ambrose, Kyei)
AUXERRE – RC LENS
15th day of Ligue 1
Saturday December 14, 7 p.m.
Abbé Deschamps Stadium, Auxerre
Photo credits: Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport
