In a match of stark contrasts, league leaders RC Lens play relegation contenders Auxerre at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Saturday, 17 January.
Keep close tabs on French Ligue 1 predictions after viewing our key Lens vs Auxerre tips below.
Contents
Lens vs Auxerre prediction: Les Sang et Or to secure victory
Key stats
- Lens are on a seven-match winning streak at home in Ligue 1.
- The hosts have conceded the fewest goals this league campaign (13).
- Auxerre have lost three successive competitive outings.
- The visitors are winless in eight consecutive away trips (L6, D2).
Correct score prediction: Lens 3-0 Auxerre
With a single point lead over reigning champions PSG, Lens are in fantastic form as they continue to rack up victories across all fronts. They have scored three goals each in as many recent encounters, with Sochaux their latest victim in the Coupe de France.
Auxerre, on the other hand, are fighting to secure their top-flight survival following their elimination from the French Cup. Since their victory over fellow strugglers Metz in early December, the visitors have suffered three straight defeats.
As one of the two teams, alongside Lorient, yet to win away from home this season, chances for Auxerre to come away with a positive result seem extremely bleak. Expect Lens to comfortably extend their winning streak.
Pre-game odds and win probability: All eyes on Lens
- HOME: 10/21 (1.47) – 68%
- DRAW: 7/2 (4.50) – 22.2%
- AWAY: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Lens have been near-perfect on home turf this season, losing only once at Stade Bollaert-Delelis – at their first home match of the season against Lyon. The hosts are priced at 10/21 (1.47), and their odds of victory indicate a 68% probability of success.
Auxerre haven’t achieved a single success away from home in eight Ligue 1 fixtures. The visitors are backed by odds of 11/2 (6.50) – indicating a win probability rate of 15.3%.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Lens vs Auxerre predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Lens supremacy
Lens have largely been successful in recent H2Hs, although they’ve won and drawn five games each in 11 meetings (L1). That sole victory for Auxerre came in last season’s corresponding fixture at this venue.
France Ligue 1 04/10/25
Auxerre
Lens
France Ligue 1 27/04/25
Lens
Auxerre
France Ligue 1 14/12/24
Auxerre
Lens
France Ligue 1 03/06/23
Auxerre
Lens
France Ligue 1 14/01/23
Lens
Auxerre
Lens preview: Comfortably in shape
Jhoanner Chavez and Jonathan Gradit are the only two confirmed absentees for Pierre Sage and co.
Predicted lineup: Risser (GK), Ganiou, Baidoo, Sarr, Abdulhamid, Thomasson, Bulatovic, Udol, Thauvin, Said & Sotoca
Last five matches:
- Sochaux 0-3 Lens (Coupe de France)
- Toulouse 0-3 Lens (Ligue 1)
- Lens 3-1 Feignies-Aulnoye (Coupe de France)
- Lens 2-0 Nice (Ligue 1)
- Nantes 1-2 Lens (Ligue 1)
Auxerre preview: Can the visitors avoid defeat?
Several players are missing for Auxerre, including Francisco Sierralta, Nathan Buayi-Kiala and Rudy Matondo. Gideon Mensah and Elisha Owusu are serving suspensions for accumulation of yellow cards.
Predicted lineup: Leon (GK), Sy, Diomande, Senaya, Oppegard, Matondo, Owusu, Danois, Osman, Loader & Casimir
Last five matches:
- Brest 2-0 Auxerre (Ligue 1)
- Auxerre 1-2 Monaco (Coupe de France)
- Auxerre 3-4 Lille (Ligue 1)
- Auxerre 3-1 Metz (Ligue 1)
- Paris FC 1-1 Auxerre (Ligue 1)
Player to watch: Wesley Said
For the impressive performances Lens have put in, you’d expect them to have at least one top scorer amongst the top three. However, Wesley Said and Odsonne Edouard sit joint in fifth position with seven goals each, and the former has proven to be gamechanger. With five goals in his last seven appearances for the club, Said to charging up at a vital moment in the title race.