Lens vs Auxerre Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Lens once again over-performed last season but it is, once again, a fresh start this weekend as they welcome Auxerre to Stade Bollaert-Delelis on the opening day.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – beIN Sports Connect
Lens preview: Toppmoller replaced Sage
Over the summer, Lens lost manager Pierre Sage to Crystal Palace. That is exceptionally frustrating after the northerners finished as runners-up to European champions Paris Saint-Germain, running them close throughout the campaign. He has been replaced by former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmoller. His first game saw Lens manage to topple PSG in the Trophee des Champions last week.
They have also lost Mamadou Sangare with the key defensive midfielder moving to Brentford for a fee of £41 million. Lens have made some intriguing signings, particularly in attack with Thorgan Hazard and Mickael Cuisance getting another chance in Europe's major leagues.
Auxerre preview: Will Still in at Auxerre
Since gaining promotion back to the top-flight in the 2023-24 campaign, Auxerre have managed to re-establish themselves in Ligue 1, albeit they were involved in a relegation battle for large parts last season.
The visitors have been very busy in the summer transfer window with some fees paid for the likes of Xiangxin Wei, Arthur Piedfort, Mamadou Diop, Sekou Fofana and Christ Makosso. Romain Faivre has also arrived on loan from AFC Bournemouth. Former Southampton boss Will Still has also been handed a chance to rebuild his reputation in the dugout.
Lens team news: Antonio suspended
Kyllian Anderson Antonio was sent off against Paris Saint-Germain and so he is now missing through suspension, with key duo Jhoanner Chavez and Odsonne Edouard picking up injuries just before that game against the Parisians.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Risser; Aguilar, Ganiou, Nawrocki; Abdulhamid, Cuisance, Titraoui, Udol; Thauvin, Sima; Ivanovic
Unavailable: Baidoo (Injured), Gradit (Injured), Celik (Injured), Antonio (Suspended), Jhoanner Chavez (Injured), Edouard (Injured)
Questionable:
Auxerre team news: A few injuries
Auxerre are dealing with a trio of absentees at the back, including key man Marvin Senaya. As well as that, former Watford and Chile international centre-back Francisco Sierralta is a doubt alongside key summer signing Lasso Coulibaly.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Nardi; Diomande, Makosso, Siwe; Sy, Ahamada, Danois, Labeau Lascary; Xiangxin, Faivre; Loader
Unavailable: Fofana (Injured), Okoh (Injured), Senaya (Injured)
Questionable: Francisco Sierralta (Injured), Siwe (Injured), Coulibaly (Injured), Casimir (Injured)
Lens vs Auxerre prediction
Auxerre have a bit more pedigree and experience in their squad, with that familiarity expected to translate into them being a bit more competitive in Ligue 1 this season, especially with the appointment of Still. Lens, with former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmoller replacing Sage, are expected to play a fun and front foot, aggressive often chaotic style of football and Still's likely improved Auxerre will fancy that sort of game so both teams scoring seems a decent bet for this one in Northern France.
Lens vs Auxerre tip: Both teams to score
