Auxerre vs Rennes Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 22 February

Auxerre will host Rennes at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps in a highly anticipated Ligue 1 clash on Sunday, 22 February. This match is particularly significant as both teams are looking to strengthen their positions in the league standings. Auxerre, playing on home soil, will aim to use their familiarity with the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps to their advantage against Rennes.

Rennes, meanwhile, will be eager to secure an away victory to boost their prospects in the Ligue 1 table. The outcome of this match could have important implications for both teams’ ambitions this season. With so much at stake, this encounter promises to be a compelling fixture for fans and bettors alike, making it one of the key matches to watch in the Ligue 1 calendar.

Auxerre vs Rennes Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Fewer than 0.5 goals	12

Given the current form and historical data, our recommended betting tip for this match is ‘Over 2.5 Goals’. Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently, and their head-to-head history suggests that goals are likely.

• Auxerre concede an average of 1.5 goals per game, indicating a vulnerable defence.
• Rennes have several attacking threats, increasing the likelihood of a high-scoring match.
• The last encounter at Auxerre’s home ground ended in a 4-0 scoreline, showing the potential for goals.

Betting Odds

Auxerre face Rennes in what promises to be a closely contested Ligue 1 clash. The betting odds suggest a slight edge for Rennes at 2.38, but Auxerre’s home advantage should not be underestimated, with odds of 2.92 for a home win. A draw, priced at 3.33, could also appeal to those expecting a stalemate.

Betting Tip	Odds
Auxerre to win	2.92
Draw	3.33
Rennes to win	2.38

Punters may find value in exploring the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ attacking capabilities. With Rennes looking to capitalise on their form and Auxerre aiming to defend their turf, this match could offer some exciting betting opportunities.

Auxerre Analysis & Past Performance

Auxerre’s recent form has been inconsistent, with one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Their recent 3-1 away victory over Metz provided a much-needed boost, considering the team’s struggles for consistency this season.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Metz	Auxerre	1 – 3 (Win)	Ligue 1	15 Feb 2026
Auxerre	Paris FC	0 – 0 (Draw)	Ligue 1	8 Feb 2026
Toulouse	Auxerre	0 – 0 (Draw)	Ligue 1	1 Feb 2026
Auxerre	Paris Saint-Germain	0 – 1 (Loss)	Ligue 1	23 Jan 2026
Lens	Auxerre	1 – 0 (Loss)	Ligue 1	17 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In their last five matches, Auxerre have averaged 0.60 goals scored per game while conceding the same amount. Despite this, they managed to keep two clean sheets, highlighting some defensive resilience. However, scoring has been a challenge, with only three goals in five matches. Their home win ratio stands at 20%, matching their overall win ratio, indicating a need for improved performances at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.

Team Statistics:

• WDDLL

Auxerre have scored in just 40% of their home games this season, with a goals scored average of 0.77 per match across the campaign. Defensively, they concede an average of 1.36 goals per game, which has contributed to their current standing of 16th in the league table with 17 points. Lassine Sinayoko remains a key player, leading the scoring charts with six goals, though additional contributions are needed from the rest of the squad.

Auxerre Suspensions & Injuries

Auxerre face some challenges with their squad depth due to injuries but have no suspensions to contend with. The absence of Francisco Sierralta, who is recovering from a thigh injury, may force Christophe Pélissier to rely more heavily on his current defensive options. Sierralta’s experience and defensive acumen will be missed, particularly in high-pressure situations where his leadership is invaluable.

The midfield will be slightly weakened due to the unavailability of Oussama El Azzouzi, who is sidelined with a sprained knee. This means more responsibility will fall on Elisha Owusu and Kevin Danois to maintain stability and control in the centre of the park. Telli Siwe’s knee injury also limits options for Pélissier, potentially affecting the team’s ability to rotate and manage player fatigue effectively.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Francisco Sierralta	Thigh injury	Late February 2026
Telli Siwe	Knee injury	Early March 2026
Oussama El Azzouzi	Sprained knee	Early March 2026

In terms of tactical adjustments, Auxerre may need to employ a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining possession and minimising defensive errors. Reliance on the starting eleven becomes crucial, and any further injuries could severely test the squad’s resilience. These absences may impact betting markets, with potential shifts in odds reflecting Auxerre’s compromised squad depth.

Auxerre Key Players

Auxerre will rely heavily on Lassine Sinayoko, their top scorer with six goals this season, to spearhead their attacking efforts against Rennes. Sinayoko’s ability to find space and his clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. His partnership with Romain Faivre on the wing will be crucial, as Faivre’s creativity and vision can unlock opposition defences. In midfield, Elisha Owusu stands out for his ability to break up play and initiate counter-attacks, providing both defensive solidity and forward impetus.

Defensively, Sinaly Diomandé will be a pivotal figure. His strength and tackling prowess are essential in maintaining a strong backline, particularly against Rennes’ dynamic forwards. The combination of Diomandé’s defensive skills with the aerial ability of Bryan Okoh will be vital in set-piece situations, both defensively and offensively.

Expected lineup for Auxerre

• Goalkeeper: Donovan Léon
• Defence: Lamine Sy, Sinaly Diomandé, Bryan Okoh, Clément Akpa
• Midfield: Elisha Owusu, Kevin Danois, Naouirou Ahamada
• Forward: Romain Faivre, Sékou Mara, Lassine Sinayoko

Auxerre Tactics and Formation

Auxerre Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-1-2-3
• Key Forward: Lassine Sinayoko
• Midfield Pivot: Elisha Owusu
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on counter-attacks and utilising wide players.

Auxerre’s 4-1-2-3 formation is designed to provide flexibility in attack while maintaining defensive stability. Elisha Owusu plays a pivotal role in front of the defence, offering protection and distributing the ball effectively. The midfield is further supported by Kevin Danois and Naouirou Ahamada, who contribute to both defensive efforts and attacking play.

Offensively, Auxerre rely heavily on the pace and skill of their wide players, Romain Faivre and Lassine Sinayoko, to stretch the opposition’s defence. Sinayoko, as the team’s top scorer, will be crucial in converting chances created from the flanks and through quick transitions.

Defensively, the back four, marshalled by Donovan Léon in goal, have shown resilience, as evidenced by their two clean sheets in recent matches. However, Auxerre must be cautious of their tendency to concede, as seen in their recent 3-1 loss to Metz, where lapses in concentration proved costly.

Rennes Analysis & Past Performance

Rennes have endured a challenging period, with their recent form highlighting significant inconsistencies. Over their last five matches, they have secured just one win, a convincing 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, but have suffered four defeats. This sequence includes heavy losses to Monaco (4-0) and Marseille (3-0), indicating defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	Tournament	Date
Rennes	Paris Saint-Germain	3 – 1 (Win)	Ligue 1	13 Feb 2026
Lens	Rennes	3 – 1 (Loss)	Ligue 1	7 Feb 2026
Marseille	Rennes	3 – 0 (Loss)	French Cup	3 Feb 2026
Monaco	Rennes	4 – 0 (Loss)	Ligue 1	31 Jan 2026
Rennes	Lorient	0 – 2 (Loss)	Ligue 1	24 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• WLLLL

Rennes’ attack has struggled, averaging only 0.80 goals per game in their last five outings. Meanwhile, their defence has been porous, conceding an average of 2.60 goals per match, with no clean sheets during this period. Away from home, they have managed just two wins out of their last five away fixtures, demonstrating a win ratio of 40%. This suggests a need for tactical adjustments, particularly in defensive organisation, to improve their away performance.

Rennes Suspensions & Injuries

Rennes will be missing several key players due to injuries, which could impact their tactical approach against Auxerre. The absence of Przemysław Frankowski due to a calf injury, expected to keep him out for one to two weeks, might force coach Franck Haise to adjust his attacking strategy. Frankowski’s pace and creativity in midfield are difficult to replicate, and his unavailability may result in a more conservative setup.

Glen Kamara’s ankle injury, sidelining him until early March, presents a challenge in midfield as well. His ability to dictate play and maintain possession will be sorely missed. The team may rely more heavily on Sebastian Szymański and Mahdi Camara to fill the void in central midfield, potentially altering the dynamic of their play.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Yassir Zabiri	Muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks
Przemysław Frankowski	Calf injury	About 1-2 weeks
Glen Kamara	Ankle injury	Early March 2026
Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal	Muscle injury	About 1-2 weeks
Jérémy Jacquet	Shoulder injury	Late February 2026

With Yassir Zabiri and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal also out due to muscle injuries, Rennes’s squad depth will be tested. These absences may force a reconfiguration of the squad, possibly promoting fringe players into the first team. Jérémy Jacquet’s shoulder injury, expected to keep him out until late February, further depletes defensive options, though the starting lineup remains largely intact.

These injuries could influence betting markets, as Rennes may adopt a more cautious approach to compensate for the lack of key personnel. Their recent form without these players will be a critical factor in assessing their chances against Auxerre.

Rennes Key Players

Rennes will be heavily reliant on their top scorer, Esteban Lepaul, who has netted an impressive 11 goals this season. Lepaul’s clinical finishing and sharp positional sense make him a formidable threat in the attacking third. His ability to exploit spaces and convert chances will be pivotal against Auxerre’s defence. Supporting him in midfield is Sebastian Szymański, whose playmaking skills and vision are crucial for linking play and creating opportunities. Szymański’s tactical awareness allows him to orchestrate the midfield, ensuring fluid transitions from defence to attack.

Defensively, Anthony Rouault and Lilian Brassier form a solid partnership at the back. Their strong defensive coordination and ability to read the game are key to maintaining Rennes’ defensive solidity. Quentin Merlin, operating as a full-back, offers additional width and support in both defensive and attacking phases, making overlapping runs to support the attack.

Expected lineup for Rennes:

• Goalkeeper: Brice Samba
• Defence: Mahamadou Nagida, Anthony Rouault, Lilian Brassier, Quentin Merlin
• Midfield: Mousa Tamari, Sebastian Szymański, Arnaud Nordin, Valentin Rongier, Mahdi Camara
• Forward: Esteban Lepaul

Rennes Tactics and Formation

Rennes Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Esteban Lepaul
• Midfield Pivot: Sebastian Szymański and Valentin Rongier
• Defensive Strength: Recent improvement, but lacking clean sheets.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and dynamic wing play.

Rennes typically line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which provides a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield pairing of Sebastian Szymański and Valentin Rongier is crucial for maintaining possession and initiating transitions. This duo’s ability to distribute effectively will be pivotal in supporting the attacking trio.

Defensively, Rennes have struggled to maintain clean sheets, with none in their last five outings. The back four, led by Anthony Rouault and Lilian Brassier, must tighten their organisation to withstand Auxerre’s attacking threats. Brice Samba in goal will need to be at his best to provide stability at the back.

Offensively, Rennes rely on the creativity of Arnaud Nordin and Mousa Tamari on the wings, providing width and crossing opportunities for top scorer Esteban Lepaul. Lepaul’s form is key, having netted 11 goals this season, and he will be essential in breaking down Auxerre’s defence.

Auxerre vs Rennes Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, Auxerre have the upper hand with 18 wins compared to Rennes’ 10, along with 7 draws. Their last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw at Rennes in October 2025, highlighting the competitive nature of their Ligue 1 encounters.

The last time Auxerre hosted Rennes at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, they secured a commanding 4-0 victory in November 2024. This result underlines Auxerre’s strong home form against Rennes, which could be a factor in this upcoming clash.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Rennes	Auxerre	2 – 2	Ligue 1	2025-10-19
Rennes	Auxerre	0 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-04-06
Auxerre	Rennes	4 – 0	Ligue 1	2024-11-03
Auxerre	Rennes	0 – 0	Ligue 1	2023-03-11
Rennes	Auxerre	5 – 0	Ligue 1	2022-09-11