Lorient vs Auxerre Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Lorient came up in impressive fashion and, having taken time to adapt, are now putting on a bit of a show as they take on Auxerre on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1+ / US – beIN Sports Connect
Lorient preview: Impressive Lorient
Following their promotion to the top-flight last season, the affiliate club of AFC Bournemouth and Auckland continued to show impressive off-field management and it has eventually bled onto the pitch as they now line up European qualification.
Lorient most recently shared a thrilling 3-3 draw with Nice at the Allianz Riviera last weekend in a game in which they were 1-0 and then 3-1 down before scoring a 95th minute equaliser via Noah Cadiou.
Auxerre preview: Poor Auxerre
In what does now appear to be the so-called ‘second season syndrome’, Auxerre are looking doomed down towards the bottom end of Ligue 1 but they are persisting with Christophe Pelissier, who has done a brilliant job in recent seasons.
AJA come into this one on the back of a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Stade Rennais at Stade de l’Abbe Deschamps due to a brace from Mamadou Camara as well as an Esteban Lepaul strike.
Lorient team news: A few issues
Lorient are dealing with a few injury issues for this one as Arsene Kouassi is now a doubt for the hosts alongside Newcastle United loanee Trevan Sanusi.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Mvogo; Igor Silva, Talbi, Meite, Yongwa; Dermane, Abergel, Cadiou, Le Bros; Pagis, Dieng
Unavailable: Faye (Injured), Toure (Injured), Fadiga (Injured)
Questionable: Kouassi (Injured), Sanusi (Injured)
Auxerre team news: Key injuries
AFC Bournemouth loanee Romain Faivre is a confirmed absentee for the visitors, while striker Lasso Coulibaly is a doubt for Auxerre’s trip to Lorient, too.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Leon; Sy, Diomande, Okoh, Akpa; Ahamada, Owusu, Danois; Loader, Mara, Sinayoko
Unavailable: Buayi-Kiala (Injured), Faivre (Injured)
Questionable: Francisco Sierralta (Injured), El Azzouzi (Injured), Coulibaly (Injured)
Lorient vs Auxerre prediction
Lorient’s 3-3 draw with Nice down on the south coast means that they have suffered just one defeat in their last 15 matches across all competitions as they try and crash into the top seven in Ligue 1. Auxerre, on the other hand, begin the match day sitting third from bottom and in the relegation playoff place, only above Nantes on goal difference. Lorient will be expected to ease to a relatively comfortable victory here, especially with their home advantage.
Lorient vs Auxerre tip: Lorient to win