Lens vs Auxerre Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

Lens will host Auxerre at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday, 17 January, in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter. This match is set to be a significant fixture as both teams aim to secure vital points in the league standings. Lens, playing at home, will be looking to leverage their familiarity with the Stade Bollaert-Delelis to gain an advantage over Auxerre.

Auxerre, on the other hand, will be eager to challenge Lens and improve their position in the Ligue 1 table. The dynamics of this match could have implications for both teams’ aspirations this season. With the stakes high, this encounter promises to offer intriguing betting opportunities. Our prediction, match preview, and betting tips will delve into the potential outcomes of this exciting clash.

Lens vs Auxerre Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Lens (-1) (EH)	2.25

Given Lens’s dominant form and Auxerre’s struggles, our recommended betting tip is for Lens to win with a -1 handicap. Lens have been exceptional at home and are on a winning streak, while Auxerre have been poor away from home with a high concession rate.

• Lens have won their last 9 games, showcasing their strong form and confidence.
• Auxerre have failed to win any of their away games this season, making Lens clear favourites.
• Lens have a robust defence, conceding just 0.8 goals per game, while Auxerre concede an average of 1.6 goals.

Betting Odds

Lens are the clear favourites in this Ligue 1 clash, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Auxerre, on the other hand, are seen as underdogs with odds that might tempt those looking for a long shot.

Betting Tip	Odds
Lens to win	1.43
Draw	4.46
Auxerre to win	7.11

For those looking at alternative markets, the odds suggest potential value in backing Lens to win with a clean sheet, given their solid defensive record at home.

Lens Analysis & Past Performance

Lens have been in scintillating form recently, boasting a perfect record in their last five matches across all competitions. This winning streak includes a commanding 3-0 victory against Sochaux in the Coupe de France and a similar triumph over Toulouse in Ligue 1, both showcasing their offensive prowess.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sochaux	Lens	0 – 3 (Win)	French Cup	Jan 11, 2026
Toulouse	Lens	0 – 3 (Win)	Ligue 1	Jan 2, 2026
Lens	Feignies Aulnoye	3 – 1 (Win)	French Cup	Dec 19, 2025
Lens	Nice	2 – 0 (Win)	Ligue 1	Dec 14, 2025
Nantes	Lens	1 – 2 (Win)	Ligue 1	Dec 6, 2025

Recent Form:

• WWWWW

Lens’s attack has been particularly effective, averaging 2.60 goals per match in their last five fixtures. They have managed to keep three clean sheets during this period, highlighting their defensive solidity. Their defence has only conceded 0.40 goals per game, which underscores their balanced team performance. Lens’s consistency at home is noteworthy, having won all five of their recent home matches, reflecting a 100% win ratio at Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

Lens Suspensions & Injuries

Lens will need to navigate the absence of Jonathan Gradit due to a broken leg, with his return expected in late April 2026. His absence in the heart of defence could see Malang Sarr stepping up as a primary leader at the back. This calls for tactical adjustments from coach Pierre Sage, likely maintaining a 3-4-3 formation but with increased reliance on Sarr’s experience to anchor the defence alongside Pierre Ganiou and Samson Baidoo.

Another concern for Lens is Jhoanner Chavez, who is sidelined with a thigh injury until late January 2026. This could impact their defensive and midfield flexibility, as Chavez’s versatility would have been valuable against Auxerre. Matthieu Udol might be tasked with additional responsibilities on the flank to compensate for Chavez’s absence.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jonathan Gradit	Broken leg	Late April 2026
Jhoanner Chavez	Thigh injury	Late January 2026

With these injuries, Lens’s depth is tested, especially in defence, but the starting lineup remains strong with key players like Odsonne Édouard and Florian Thauvin available for selection. The team’s attacking prowess should not be underestimated, and they will look to exploit Auxerre’s weaknesses. The betting markets might see some volatility due to these defensive absences, potentially impacting Lens’s odds for a clean sheet.

Lens Key Players

Wesley Saïd stands out as Lens’s top scorer with seven goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat in the attacking third. Saïd’s positioning and movement are pivotal, especially when paired with Odsonne Édouard up front, who provides additional firepower and physicality.

In midfield, Adrien Thomasson plays a crucial role as a playmaker, orchestrating the team’s offensive plays and providing the necessary link between defence and attack. His vision and passing ability can unlock defences, creating opportunities for the forwards. Meanwhile, Florian Thauvin adds creativity and flair on the wings, capable of delivering precise crosses and cutting inside to shoot.

Expected lineup for Lens

• Goalkeeper: Robin Risser
• Defence: Pierre Ganiou, Samson Baidoo, Malang Sarr
• Midfield: Saud Abdulhamid, Adrien Thomasson, Andrija Bulatovic, Matthieu Udol
• Forward: Florian Thauvin, Odsonne Édouard, Wesley Saïd

Defensively, Malang Sarr’s presence is vital for Lens. His composure and ability to read the game provide stability at the back. Alongside Pierre Ganiou, Sarr is tasked with nullifying opposition attacks, a critical component of Lens’s tactical approach. The synergy between these key players is likely to shape Lens’s gameplay, emphasising both offensive pressure and defensive resilience.

Lens Tactics and Formation

Lens Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Wesley Saïd
• Midfield Engine: Adrien Thomasson and Andrija Bulatovic
• Defensive Setup: Three at the back, with recent clean sheets against Sochaux and Toulouse.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and high pressing.

Lens deploy a 3-4-3 formation, which allows them to maintain a strong presence in midfield while providing width and attacking options. With Adrien Thomasson and Andrija Bulatovic controlling the midfield, they offer both defensive cover and creative support. This formation is complemented by the wing-backs, Saud Abdulhamid and Matthieu Udol, who push forward to support attacks.

Defensively, the trio of Pierre Ganiou, Samson Baidoo, and Malang Sarr form a solid backline, helping Lens secure three clean sheets in their last five games. The structure provides a robust defence, crucial for dealing with counterattacks, especially in transitions.

Offensively, Lens focus on wing play and high pressing, utilising the pace and skill of forwards like Wesley Saïd and Florian Thauvin. Saïd, the team’s top scorer, is pivotal in converting opportunities, often capitalising on the creativity of the midfield and the width provided by the wing-backs.

Auxerre Analysis & Past Performance

Auxerre’s recent form has been challenging, with the team managing only one win in their last five fixtures. The recent performances include a 2-0 away defeat to Brest and a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Paris FC. Notably, their last success came against Metz with a 3-1 victory, but it remains their sole win in this period.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Brest	Auxerre	2 – 0 (Loss)	Ligue 1	4 Jan, 2026
Auxerre	Monaco	1 – 2 (Loss)	French Cup	21 Dec, 2025
Auxerre	Lille	3 – 4 (Loss)	Ligue 1	14 Dec, 2025
Auxerre	Metz	3 – 1 (Win)	Ligue 1	7 Dec, 2025
Paris FC	Auxerre	1 – 1 (Draw)	Ligue 1	29 Nov, 2025

Recent Form:
Auxerre’s attack has been moderately productive, averaging 1.60 goals per game over their last five matches, although they’ve only managed to keep one clean sheet, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. They’ve conceded an average of 2.00 goals per match, reflecting a lack of defensive solidity. The away form has been particularly concerning, with no victories in their last five away outings, resulting in three losses and two draws, contributing to a win ratio of 0.00 on the road.

Key Statistics:

• LLLWD

Currently, Auxerre sit 17th in the Ligue 1 standings with 12 points, struggling to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Their overall win ratio stands at 0.20, and they have not won any of their eight away games this season. Lassine Sinayoko remains a critical player, having scored six goals, accounting for 43% of their goals this season, but the team needs a collective effort to improve their standings.

Auxerre Suspensions & Injuries

Auxerre face challenges with the absence of Elisha Owusu and Gideon Mensah due to suspensions for accumulated yellow cards. Their suspensions disrupt the continuity in midfield and defence, respectively, necessitating tactical adjustments. Owusu’s role as a midfield anchor will be particularly missed, potentially affecting their ability to control the game’s tempo. Christophe Pélissier may consider Assane Diousse stepping into the midfield to fill the void left by Owusu, while defensively, Fredrik Oppegaard is expected to cover for Mensah, maintaining stability at the back.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Elisha Owusu	Yellow cards	1	Unknown
Gideon Mensah	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

The injury list includes Telli Siwe, who is out following knee surgery with an expected return in late January 2026. His absence further stretches the squad’s depth, particularly in defensive options. Although Nathan Buayi-Kiala and Francisco Sierralta are listed as injured, they do not appear in the starting lineup, minimising the immediate impact on the squad. However, Siwe’s ongoing unavailability means Auxerre might need to rely on less experienced players to maintain their defensive strategy.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Telli Siwe	Knee surgery	Late January 2026

These absences could influence betting markets, as Auxerre’s reduced squad depth may affect their performance against Lens. The tactical impact of these unavailabilities means Auxerre will need to adapt quickly to maintain competitive form.

Auxerre Key Players

Auxerre’s charge will be spearheaded by their top scorer, Lassine Sinayoko, who has netted six goals this season. Sinayoko’s prowess in front of goal and his ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat to any opposition defence. His sharp finishing and positioning could be pivotal against Lens, as Auxerre aim to capitalise on any defensive frailties.

In midfield, Assane Diousse’s role as a playmaker will be crucial in dictating the tempo and launching attacks. Alongside him, Rudy Matondo provides energy and creativity, essential for breaking down Lens’s defensive structure. At the back, Sinaly Diomandé is expected to lead the defence with his robust tackling and aerial strength, key to maintaining a solid defensive line.

Expected lineup for Auxerre

• Goalkeeper: Donovan Léon
• Defence: Lamine Sy, Marvin Senaya, Sinaly Diomandé, Fredrik Oppegaard
• Midfield: Rudy Matondo, Assane Diousse, Kevin Danois
• Forward: Josué Casimir, Sékou Mara, Ibrahim Osman

Auxerre Tactics and Formation

Auxerre Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Sékou Mara
• Midfield Pivot: Assane Diousse and Kevin Danois
• Defensive Strength: Struggling, with no clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and wide play.

Auxerre are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation under coach Christophe Pélissier. This setup is designed to provide width and flexibility, with Assane Diousse and Kevin Danois anchoring the midfield to offer both defensive coverage and transitional play. Rudy Matondo’s presence adds an additional creative spark in the midfield, aiming to link up with the forwards.

Defensively, the back four of Lamine Sy, Marvin Senaya, Sinaly Diomandé, and Fredrik Oppegaard will aim to offer stability. However, recent performances suggest vulnerabilities, as the team has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings. The absence of Gideon Mensah from the lineup may require adjustments, potentially affecting defensive cohesion.

Offensively, the trio of Josué Casimir, Sékou Mara, and Ibrahim Osman will be crucial in breaking down the opposition. Mara, in particular, will be pivotal in spearheading attacks, supported by Casimir and Osman’s pace on the flanks. Despite their struggles away from home, Auxerre’s strategy often involves exploiting spaces created by wide play and quick transitions.

Lens vs Auxerre Head-to-Head Record

Lens and Auxerre have faced off 42 times, with Lens winning 21 of those encounters, Auxerre taking 11 victories, and 10 matches ending in a draw. The last meeting saw Lens triumph 2-1 away at Auxerre in Ligue 1, showcasing their recent dominance in this fixture.

The last time Lens hosted Auxerre at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, it ended in a surprising 0-4 defeat for the home side. However, Lens have generally been strong at home, as evidenced by their overall head-to-head record.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Auxerre	Lens	1 – 2	Ligue 1	2025-10-04
Lens	Auxerre	0 – 4	Ligue 1	2025-04-27
Auxerre	Lens	2 – 2	Ligue 1	2024-12-14
Auxerre	Lens	1 – 3	Ligue 1	2023-06-03
Lens	Auxerre	1 – 0	Ligue 1	2023-01-14