Newly-promoted FC Lorient begin their Ligue 1 campaign with a trip to AJ Auxerre’s Stade de l’Abbe Deschamps, as both sides target a winning start to the season on Sunday, 17 August.
Keep close tabs on French Ligue 1 predictions after viewing our key Auxerre vs Lorient tips below.
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Auxerre vs Lorient prediction: AJA to claim narrow victory
Key stats
- Auxerre’s last six Ligue 1 wins have all been accompanied by a clean sheet.
- The hosts failed to win any of their three previous preseason friendly games (D1, L2).
- Lorient have won just twice in their five preseason friendly fixtures (D2, L1).
- Les Merlus have scored 10 goals in their last three competitive matches.
Correct score prediction: Auxerre 2-1 Lorient
Auxerre’s return to the French top-flight ended in a satisfying manner, as they finished closer to the top half of the standings, despite a poor end to the campaign where they claimed just one win in their final six league matches. Christoph Pelissier’s men then struggled to find the back of the net in their three recent preseason games, going winless as they struggled to come to terms with Gaetan Perrin’s departure.
Meanwhile, the question remains whether the Ligue 2 champions have what it takes to upset the status quo as they mark their return to the top division after a year-long hiatus. Olivier Pantaloni’s Merlus are unbeaten across their last four Ligue 1 openers, but overcoming Auxerre isn’t going to be easy. We expect the hosts to edge past the visitors by the narrowest of margins in this season opener.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Auxerre the slight favourites
- HOME: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.4%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Auxerre dropped 23 points after scoring first in Ligue 1 last term, more than any other side. Bookmakers back AJA to claim a home victory, backed by 13/10 (2.30) odds. This suggests a 43.4% probability of success.
Lorient, on the other hand, are vying to get off to an unbeaten start in their return to the top-flight. Priced at 19/10 (2.90) with a 34.4% win probability rat, they come into this fixture as slight underdogs.
Visit our football betting tips page for more free predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: A couple of years since they faced each other
Both sides have two wins apiece in their last six meetups. The last time they met in February 2023, Auxerre edged Lorient 1-0 to claim all three points.
France Ligue 1 26/02/23
Lorient
Auxerre
France Ligue 1 16/09/22
Auxerre
Lorient
France Ligue 2 13/12/19
Lorient
Auxerre
France Ligue 2 29/04/19
Lorient
Auxerre
France Ligue 2 03/12/18
Auxerre
Lorient
Auxerre preview: A few absentees
Pelissier is left without the services of Sinay Diomande and Nathan Kiala, while Oussama El Azzouzi is also doubtful for this clash.
Predicted lineup: Leon (GK), Osho, Sierralta, Akpa, Senaya, Owusu, Danois, Oppegard, Osman, Casimir & Sinayoko
France Ligue 1 10/05/25
D
Nantes
1
Auxerre
1
France Ligue 1 04/05/25
L
Le Havre
2
Auxerre
1
France Ligue 1 27/04/25
W
Lens
0
Auxerre
4
France Ligue 1 20/04/25
L
Lille
3
Auxerre
1
France Ligue 1 13/04/25
L
Lyon
3
Auxerre
1
Lorient preview: An unbeaten start in Ligue 1?
Pantaloni will miss Abdoulaye Faye, Noha Cadiou and Bandiogou Fadiga. Defender Isaak Toure is also expected to sit out.
Predicted lineup: Kamara (GK), Silva, Talbi, Mendy, Kouassi, Mvuka, Ebong, Abergel, Pagis, Bamba & Soumano
France Ligue 2 10/05/25
W
Martigues
1
Lorient
5
France Ligue 2 02/05/25
L
AC Ajaccio
2
Lorient
1
France Ligue 2 26/04/25
W
Caen
0
Lorient
4
France Ligue 2 21/04/25
D
Annecy
0
Lorient
0
France Ligue 2 12/04/25
W
Guingamp
1
Lorient
2
Player to watch: Lassine Sinayoko
Following the departure of talisman Gaetan Perrin, the responsibility now rests with Mali international Sinayoko to rack in the goals, although Auxerre have been less than effective in recent outings.
Sinayoko netted two goals in Auxerre’s last final three Ligue 1 fixtures last season, before which he provided three assists in the 4-0 win over RC Lens.