Lille will look to match a historic 19 game unbeaten streak when they visit the Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps to face Auxerre. Auxerre have not qualified for European competition in 15 years and while their hope of doing so seemed possible just a month ago, that hope is slowly diminishing. The visitors also have a tough Champions League schedule to think about as they are only one point away from ninth place.
As a newly promoted side Auxerre defied expectations with a fantastic start to their Ligue 1 season. However their momentum has slowed down since December with Christophe Pelissier's side collecting just two points from four games and suffering a disappointing Coupe de France exit against Dunkerque. A 3-1 loss to Strasbourg last week has now left Auxerre in ninth place, alarmingly close to the bottom three. Despite their recent struggles Auxerre’s home form remains good with 17 points earned at the Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps, the third best home record in the league. A win today would see them distance themselves from the middle pack and might spark a push for the top six.
Lille are sitting fourth in the league and extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches with a 1-1 draw against Nantes last weekend. Bruno Genesio’s side are within touching distance of a club record and will be motivated to continue their impressive form. While the unbeaten streak includes 12 Ligue 1 matches a high amount of draws have prevented them from climbing higher. As they have the most amount of draws in the league with seven. The visitors thrive on Friday night fixtures having lost just one of their last 12 games under the lights. However a demanding schedule is ahead including matches against Marseille, Liverpool and Feyenoord.
Auxerre welcome Rayan Raveloson back from suspension but may be without Gabriel Osho, Kevin Danois and goalkeeper Donovan Leon. Ange Loic N'Gatta and Lasso Coulibaly remain long-term absentees.
For Lille, Tiago Santos and Samuel Umtiti are sidelined with knee injuries while Edon Zhegrova continues to struggle with a groin issue. Mathias Fernandez Pardo is also out after a recent injury. On the bright side Angel Gomes returned to the squad last weekend and could feature in this match.
AJ Auxerre possible lineup: De Percin; Diomande, Jubal, Akpa; Hoever, Owusu, Raveloson, Mensah; Perrin, Sinayoko, Traore
Lille OSC possible lineup: Chevalier; Meunier, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Andre Gomes, Mukau; Haraldsson, David, Cabella
AUXERRE VS LILLE
4.60
AUXERRE - WINNER
