Le Havre vs Auxerre – News and Probable Lineups

Le Havre is set to host Auxerre at the Stade Oceane in Ligue 1 this Sunday, with both teams looking to create some distance from the relegation zone.

A win for the home side could secure their status in the top flight for next season, while the visitors will need a victory to bolster their survival hopes.

Match overview

Le Havre enters this encounter sitting in 14th place in Ligue 1 after 27 matches, having accumulated 27 points through six wins, nine draws, and 12 losses.

The hosts are currently on a five-match winless streak in the league, following a 3-2 loss to Paris FC in their previous game.

Confidence heading into this match may be bolstered by Le Havre’s recent success against Auxerre, having won their last three encounters, equaling their total victories in the first 28 matches of their top-flight history against them.

Supporters of Le Havre may be accustomed to low-scoring matches at the Stade Oceane this season, with only 27 goals witnessed in their home games, marking the fewest in the league.

There is some worry for the home team, as they have not scored in five of their last eight home fixtures, a stark contrast to having scored in each of their previous 13.

Furthermore, Le Havre will be encouraged by their earlier encounter this season against Auxerre, where they secured all three points with a 1-0 win at the Stade de l’Abbe Deschamps in October.

Auxerre arrives at this fixture positioned 16th in the league, having gathered 22 points from their 27 matches, which includes five wins, seven draws, and 15 losses.

The visitors are currently four points clear of Nantes, who are in the relegation zone and have a game in hand, making this match critical to alleviate their concerns regarding staying in the first division.

Auxerre has managed to avoid defeat in six of their last eight Ligue 1 matches, matching their total from the first 19 games of the season.

This might instill some optimism among supporters that the club is moving in the right direction to retain their Ligue 1 status for the upcoming season.

However, Auxerre’s away record in this relegation struggle raises alarm bells, as they have only mustered seven points on the road this campaign, which is their second-lowest tally after 13 away matches in a Ligue 1 season since the year 2000, following 2011-12.

Team News

Le Havre will be missing Gautier Lloris due to a hamstring issue, while Abdoulaye Toure is sidelined with a knee injury.

Two players who have been vital for Le Havre this season are Issa Soumare and Rassoul Ndiaye. Soumare leads the team’s scoring chart with six goals, while Ndiaye has also made a significant contribution with four goals.

The hosts will be looking for an improved display from attacker Mbwana Samatta, as he has taken the most shots (31), registered the highest number of shots on target (10), and accumulated the most Expected Goals (2.7) without finding the net in Ligue 1 this season.

Auxerre will be without Telli Siwe, Lasso Coulibaly, and Oussama El Azzouzi due to injuries, in addition to missing Donovan Leon, who is suspended.

Kevin Danois will be crucial for the visitors in securing a positive result, serving as a creative force this season, having created 15 chances for teammate Lassine Sinayoko in Ligue 1 (including one assist), the most by any player for a single teammate.

Sinayoko has been the primary attacking threat for Auxerre, finding the net six times, including two opening goals in matches.

Le Havre probable starting XI:

Damn; Nego, Blood, Dry, Coffee; N’Diaye, Gourna-Douath, Ebonog, Boufal; Soumare, Mambimbi

Auxerre probable starting XI:

De Percin; Mensah, Okoh, Diomande, Sy; Oppegard, Danois, Namaso, Owusu, Faivre; Sinayoko

Le Havre has been facing challenges in recent weeks as they strive to secure their Ligue 1 survival. The home side has struggled in front of goal this season, while Auxerre seems to be hitting form at the right time, gathering points in their fight against relegation, and they are expected to earn another victory.