Lyon vs Auxerre: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — April 25, 2026
On Saturday, April 25, Lyon will host Auxerre at Groupama Stadium in the 31st round of Ligue 1. For the hosts, this is a crucial stage in the race for medals, while the visitors are locked in a desperate fight for survival.
Match preview
Lyon have been showing quality football in 2026 despite a string of personnel problems, though not every match ends in a positive result. In their last ten Ligue 1 games, Lyon have managed just four wins and collected 54 points from 30 rounds, which puts them in third place. The team consistently picks up points at home and are considered favorites against bottom-half clubs. However, the coaching staff have to cope with the absence of several key players: long-time leader Corentin Tolisso is injured, as are promising talents Pavel Schulz, Malick Fofana, and Ernest Nuamah. The main attacking hope now rests on young Brazilian Endrick and the skillful Afonso Moreira.
Auxerre, under Christophe Pélissier, are enduring a tough season. The team sits 16th in the table with just 25 points, trailing 15th place by four. The club has struggled badly on the road, with only one away win all season. The injury list includes first-choice goalkeeper Donovan Léon, as well as Lassine Coulibaly and Oussama El Azzouzi. The previous meeting between these sides back in November ended in a goalless draw, but Lyon historically dominate at home, winning 14 of the last 22 head-to-heads in Décines-Charpieu.
Tactically, Lyon are likely to opt for a 4-3-1-2 formation, aiming to control the midfield and exploit Endrick's pace up front. Auxerre will respond with a more cautious 4-2-3-1, sitting deep and looking for rare counterattacks.
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last five matches: two Lyon wins, two draws, and one Auxerre victory
- Lyon have conceded in four of their last five games, winning only two
- Auxerre are unbeaten in four: three draws and one win
Prediction
Both teams have shown decent attacking form lately but are prone to defensive mistakes. My prediction: both teams to score – YES at 1.85
