Auxerre vs Paris FC – News and Probable Lineups

AJ Auxerre is set to host Paris FC at the Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps this Sunday in a pivotal Ligue 1 clash on Matchday 21, with both teams fighting to avoid relegation as they find themselves towards the bottom end of the table, eager for crucial points to ensure survival.

The home side faces a challenging situation, having gone six matches without a win and failing to find the back of the net in their last four Ligue 1 appearances. In contrast, Paris FC enjoys a seven-point buffer above the relegation zone but is also striving for consistency after remaining winless in their last three matches.

Match overview

Auxerre enters this matchup amid increasing pressure, as an erratic season characterized by limited goal-scoring has left Christophe Pelissier’s squad in 17th place, with three victories, four draws, and thirteen losses in their opening twenty league games.

Their offensive woes have been a significant concern throughout the season, averaging less than one goal per match, while defensive lapses have often forced them to play catch-up, highlighting their ongoing imbalance.

Recent results emphasize the stakes of this encounter, as AJA has lost to Paris Saint-Germain, RC Lens, and Brest during January, only to end their losing streak with a goalless draw at Toulouse on February 1, a result that offered some defensive assurance but prolonged their winless streak to six matches.

Home games at the Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps have not brought much solace, as Auxerre has already suffered six defeats on their home turf this season, including a close 0-1 loss to PSG and an entertaining yet costly 3-4 defeat against Lille earlier in the winter.

In statistical terms, Auxerre ranks among the three teams with the most losses in the league, having lost 13 of their first 20 matches while also netting the fewest goals in the division with just 14, averaging 0.7 goals per game compared to the league average of 28.5 goals.

Disciplinary issues have also plagued the squad, with AJA receiving a league-high six red cards over 20 matches, while their overall form remains troubling after failing to secure a victory in 14 of their last 15 league outings.

Historically, encounters between these two have been evenly matched, with each having secured seven wins and eight draws across 22 matches. Nevertheless, Auxerre has managed only one win in their last seven meetings with Paris FC, and the previous matchup in November concluded with a 1-1 draw.

Paris FC travels to Burgundy with a more stable season under coach Stephane Gilli, sitting in 14th place in the table and gaining momentum through disciplined displays and a solid defensive setup that has seen them go unbeaten in their last four league matches.

Les Bleus currently occupy 14th place after an exciting 2-2 draw against Marseille, in which they fought back from two goals down thanks to late contributions from Jonathan Ikone and Ilan Kebbal, showcasing the resilience that has characterized their recent performances.

Though they faced elimination from the Coupe de França at the hands of Lorient earlier this week, their Ligue 1 results have been relatively favorable, remaining unbeaten in two recent matches after draws against Marseille and Angers, along with a commendable 2-1 win at Nantes.

Across their last six league fixtures, Paris FC has recorded six goals while conceding six, managing to score in eight of their previous nine away games, reflecting a consistent, if not particularly prolific, attacking performance on the road.

Away form has been fairly robust overall, with Paris FC achieving three wins, two draws, and five losses during their travels this season, scoring 12 goals while conceding 17, instilling cautious optimism ahead of their visit.

Team News

Nathan Buayi-Kiala is still out due to injury for Auxerre, and Francisco Sierralta remains a doubt.

Right-back Marvin Senaya is back from suspension after sitting out the goalless draw against Toulouse but is unlikely to be in the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Paris FC continues to contend with several absences, as Samir Chergui and Thibault De Smet are sidelined due to hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.

Pierre Lees-Melou is unavailable with a shin injury, Nouha Dicko is still out, and Hamari Traore is set to be absent for several weeks following knee meniscus surgery.

Auxerre probable starting XI:

Leon; Sy, Diomande, Akpa, Mensah; El Azzouzi, Owus, Danish; Faivre, namaso, sinayoko

Paris FC probable starting XI:

Trapp Sangui, Mbow, Otavio, Colonadeer, Gora; Marchetti, Lopez, Kebbal, Simon; Krasso

Auxerre’s struggles, including five matches in Ligue 1 without a win and only one home victory in six outings, suggest their chances of success are slim, while Paris FC’s more consistent away form and the prospect of moving to 12th with a win make them slight favorites to secure a narrow victory.

We predict the visitors will find their way back to winning form and continue their impressive recent run on the road.