Auxerre vs Lorient Preview: Team News & Prediction
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After an impressive start to life back in Ligue 1 last year, Auxerre will be aiming to avoid second season syndrome as they take on Lorient on the opening day of the season.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1 pass / US – beIN Sports Connect
Auxerre preview: Avoiding second season syndrome
In the 2023/24 campaign, Auxerre gained promotion to Ligue 1 under the management of Christophe Pelissier, and he managed to ensure they avoided relegation quite comfortably with an impressive campaign back in the top-flight last season.
Over the summer transfer window, they have brought in some intriguing new signings with Ibrahim Osman and Oussama El Azzouzi joining from Brighton and Hove Albion and Bologna on loan respectively, with Francisco Sierralta arriving from Watford.
Lorient preview: Back in Ligue 1
Last season, Lorient managed to gain automatic promotion back to Ligue 1 after finishing top of the second-tier, with an impressive and intriguing operation off the pitch, with AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley having a minority stake in the club.
Coached by Olivier Pantaloni, who had previously been in charge of Ajaccio for a total of 14 years in the past, Lorient were dominant in Ligue 2 with a cautious and defensive approach that could translate well to Ligue 1 football.
Auxerre team news: Diomande suspended
Auxerre defender Sinaly Diomande is missing through a suspension that has carried over from last season, whilst midfielder Nathan Buayi-Kiala is sidelined through injury.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Leon; Osho, Francisco Sierralta, Joly; Mensah, Owusu, Diousse, El Azzouzi, Akpa; Sinayoko, Bair
Unavailable: Diomande (Suspended), Buayi-Kiala (Injured)
Questionable:
Lorient team news: A few absentees
Lorient head to Stade l’Abbe Deschamps with a few injury issues as defender Isaak Toure and midfield duo Noah Cadiou and Bandiougou Fadiga.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kamara; Igor Silva, Talbi, Faye, Yongwa; Makengo, Karim; Le Bris, Mvuka, Dieng; Bamba
Unavailable: Toure (Injured), Cadiou (Injured), Fadiga (Injured)
Questionable:
Auxerre vs Lorient prediction
Auxerre were good to watch at times last season, with them able to adopt their natural and normal defensive capabilities with a bit more of a counter-attacking punch in the final third. They face a Lorient side that come into this one with a bit of smart financial backing behind them and the idea of a relegation battle, let alone another relegation, seems a long way away. As a result, both teams scoring would seem a good bet on the opening day.
Auxerre vs Lorient tip: Both teams to score
