Auxerre – Monaco: H2H, prediction and probable lineups — December 21, 2025
On Sunday, December 21, in a French Cup clash, Auxerre will host Monaco on their home turf. Read on for a closer look at both teams, as well as our match prediction, in this preview.
See also: Strasbourg vs Dunkerque prediction and betting tips 21 December 2025
Match preview
Auxerre heads into the fixture against Monaco following a series of high-octane Ligue 1 battles: they recently fell 4-3 in a shootout with Lille, but just one round before the cup clash, they confidently dispatched Metz 3-1, proving they can score and create chances even against formidable opponents. This is a vital factor for the Burgundians, considering their main goal in the league is to stay above the relegation playoff zone. After 16 rounds, the team has collected 12 points and sits in 16th place. However, Auxerre still concedes far too often, especially in organized defensive phases, which continues to complicate their life against teams adept at exploiting open spaces.
In the upcoming cup tie, Auxerre will likely aim for a compact game plan, giving nothing away for free: a tight defensive block, quick transitions on set pieces, and attempts to catch their opponent on turnovers. This is a logical approach for a side eager to extend their season and achieve a cup run: in matches where the favorite dominates possession, resolute defending and direct, flank-driven attacks are among the few viable paths to success.
Monaco, in the 2025/26 campaign, has struggled for consistency, but remains a powerhouse in French football. In recent rounds, the Monegasques suffered a narrow defeat to Marseille (0-1), but before that, racked up several crucial results—including a win over PSG—highlighting their attacking potential and ability to deliver in marquee encounters. Such results keep Monaco firmly in the top half of the Ligue 1 table. The club sits ninth after 16 rounds, with 23 points, trailing the European places by four.
Monaco will look to dictate the tempo, utilizing their midfield combinations, energetic wing play, and probing positional attacks to break down Auxerre’s defense. If the visitors manage to score early, the added pressure from the home crowd could push the match firmly under their control.
Probable lineups
Auxerre: De Percin; Sy, Legros, Diomande, Oppegard; Diousse; Danois, Devernois; Sinayoko, Mara, L. Coulibaly
Monaco: Lienard; Henrique, Salisu, Kehrer, Ouattara; M. Coulibaly, Bamba; Brunner, Minamino, Idumbo; Ilenikhena
Match facts and head-to-head
- Monaco has won all five of the last five meetings
- Auxerre has won just one of their last ten matches
- Monaco has claimed victory in only three of their last seven games
Prediction
Both clubs concede plenty but also deliver in attack. Despite the cup format, I’m expecting a goal-filled spectacle. My prediction: over 2.5 total goals at odds of 1.6
