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Lyon will host Auxerre in a Ligue 1 clash this weekend as both teams look to solidify their positions in the upper half of the table. The match, scheduled for April 27, 2025, at Groupama Stadium, carries added significance given Lyon’s push for European qualification and Auxerre’s fight to avoid a relegation scrap.
Previewing the fixture, Lyon enters the game with momentum after a 2-1 win over Montpellier last weekend, while Auxerre comes off a goalless draw with Strasbourg. Historical data shows Lyon has won four of the last five meetings between the sides, though Auxerre secured a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Lyon will be without suspended midfielder Maxence Caqueret, who picked up his fifth yellow card in the win over Montpellier. Defender Duje Ćaleta-Car remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, though Samuel Umtiti is expected to return to the bench after recovering from a minor knock. Alexandre Lacazette is fit and likely to lead the line, supported by Rayan Cherki and Malo Gusto on the flanks.
Auxerre will miss injured striker Gaëtan Perrin, who is out with a thigh strain, but welcome back captain Jubril Okedina from suspension. Goalkeeper Donovan Léon is confirmed fit after recovering from illness, and defensive midfielder Jubril Okedina should partner Abdallah Sima in midfield. Coach Christophe Pélissier is expected to name a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Lassine Sinayoko leading the attack.
Based on available information, the predicted lineups are as follows:
| Lyon (4-3-3) | Auxerre (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| Anthony Lopes (GK) | Donovan Léon (GK) |
| Malo Gusto (RB) | Mathis Durand (RB) |
| Samuel Umtiti (CB) | Jubril Okedina (CB) |
| Lovre Kalinić (CB) | Isaak Touré (CB) |
| Nicolás Tagliafico (LB) | Gaëtan Perrin (LB) {unconfirmed|not independently confirmed} |
| Corentin Tolisso (CM) | Abdallah Sima (CM) |
| Romain Faivre (CM) | Haris Belkebla (CM) |
| Maxence Caqueret (CM) {unconfirmed|not independently confirmed} | Lassine Sinayoko (CAM) |
| Rayan Cherki (RW) | Gaëtan Perrin (RW) {unconfirmed|not independently confirmed} |
| Alexandre Lacazette (ST) | Gaëtan Perrin (ST) {unconfirmed|not independently confirmed} |
| Malo Gusto (LW) | Isaak Touré (LW) |
Note: Due to conflicting reports on Auxerre’s lineup availability, particularly regarding Gaëtan Perrin’s fitness, some positions remain {unconfirmed|not independently confirmed}.
Prediction and Key Battles
Lyon’s superior squad depth and home advantage make them favorites, with bookmakers listing them at 1.60 to win, a draw at 3.80, and Auxerre at 5.20 according to OddsChecker. The midfield duel between Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso and Auxerre’s Abdallah Sima could prove decisive, as both players are central to their teams’ transitions.
Lyon’s attacking trio of Lacazette, Cherki, and Gusto has combined for 28 goals this season, while Auxerre relies heavily on Sinayoko’s creativity and Perrin’s movement—if fit. Defensively, Lyon has conceded just 8 goals in their last six home matches, the best record in Ligue 1 over that span.
What’s at Stake
A win for Lyon would move them within three points of fourth-placed Marseille, keeping alive their hopes for a Champions League qualifying spot via the league. For Auxerre, avoiding defeat is crucial as they sit just two points above the relegation zone with four games remaining.
Both clubs have emphasized the importance of finishing the season strongly, with Lyon’s president John Textor recently stating the club is “fully committed to securing European football” in a recent club statement. Auxerre’s sporting director Baptiste Malherbe echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for “consistency and resilience” in the run-in.
As the Ligue 1 season enters its final stretch, matches like Lyon vs Auxerre could have significant implications for both European qualification and survival battles. Fans can expect a tightly contested encounter shaped by tactical discipline and individual moments of quality.
Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis. Share your thoughts on the preview in the comments below and spread the word to fellow football fans.
