Auxerre v RC Lens Prediction: Tactical Duel to Break Mid-Table Stalemate

Sunday's Ligue 1 promises a cracker of a match when Auxerre welcomes Lens during Round 15. Mid-table fight between the teams that are close to each other only by a point; this fixture would mean so much more beyond just being one more league game. It concerns momentum, pride, and a stake in the competitive race for European qualification. Can Auxerre's fine home form stand up? Or will Lens continue their resurgence? Let us go in to what should prove an exciting and tactical contest.

The resurrection of Auxerre has been nothing short of miraculous under the coaching of Christophe Pelissier. The team, turning the ground into a fortress at home, is presently ranked 8th in Ligue 1 with an undefeated streak of 4W, 1D. Their 3-4-2-1 set-up has been a boon for Auxerre, giving very good defensive stability while letting the players use their direction on the flanks. Their last outing was a hard-fought 0-0 draw against PSG, which quite accurately demonstrated how resilient and disciplined they can be.

Pelissier might also advocate high pressing in midfield to limit Lens from flowing smoothly into motion but also to find opportunities to break in transition. Not one. They have a complete wall of three center-backs, and advanced midfielders will have the final responsibility for creating magic in the last third. The only worry is the crossed transition defense of Auxerre, which might turn out problematic against an established side like Lens, well-known for counter-attacks.

In a nutshell, they are in 7th place, with Lens showing much promise in this season under the guidance of Will Still. The last match they played has captured everything as it showcased their fine attacking and was a thumping 2-0 victory over Montpellier. The formation, which had been a standard for Still's tactical vision, 4-2-3-1, would allow them to pocket in any of the two possible directions, defensive or offensive. 

These are credentials for Lens to organize themselves well in quick counters and wide play. Settling in a double pivot approach in midfield ensures stability with the trio behind the lone striker. They help break down defences, with promising signs despite not being consistent at home (2W, 2D, 1L), and it's on the counter that takes us places like Auxerre. Such is their strength in breaking scoring chances on the counter, especially more dangerous against a team like Auxerre, which builds possession.

Historically, Lens has dominated this fixture by thrashing Auxerre 12-2, with 6 ending as draws. Maybe that psychological edge would affect something, but with the recent form Auxerre brings into the match and being at home, the scales will be even.

This confrontation is keenly contested, with Auxerre's defensive granite and home momentum fighting Lens' attacking rapidity and counter-attacking edge. Midfield battles are going to decide the tempo of this game, while set pieces can turn out to be influential. Historical advantage to Lens adds spice to things, but one cannot ignore the recent resilience of Auxerre.

• 3 Way Total Under 3 Goals @ 2.044 Odds
• Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.98 Odds
• Correct Score 1-1 @ 7.00 Odds