Reims vs. Auxerre Prediction - Ligue 1 Fixtures

An intriguing match awaits us this Sunday in Ligue 1 as Reims take on Auxerre at the Stade Auguste Delaune. Scheduled for a 16:15 kick-off, this clash might not involve the heavyweights at the top of the table, but it holds vital importance for both sides looking to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Reims currently sit 15th in the standings with 22 points and have not tasted victory in their last 13 league matches. They come into this game after heavy defeats, including a 3-0 loss to Monaco. The team, led by Samba Diawara, will be keen to end this dismal run.

Auxerre, on the other hand, are in relatively better shape, positioned 12th with 28 points. Their recent form has been a mixed bag, but they have shown they can find the back of the net with nine goals in their last five matches. Players like Hamed Traore, their top scorer, will be pivotal.

Referee Romain Lissorgue, known for his no-nonsense approach, will officiate the match. While the weather details remain unavailable, fans should expect an energetic contest.

Given Reims’ defensive vulnerabilities, the best bet recommendation leans towards an away win for Auxerre. This match could see Auxerre capitalizing on Reims’ recent struggles, making it an exciting fixture to follow.

Reims vs Auxerre Prediction & Betting Tip

The best bet recommendation for the upcoming clash between Reims and Auxerre is an away win for Auxerre. Given the recent form and match facts, this tip seems the most likely outcome.

• Auxerre has been in better form recently, scoring 9 goals in their last 5 matches compared to Reims’ 1.20 goals per game.
• Reims haven’t won in their last 13 Ligue 1 matches, showcasing their struggles this season.
• Auxerre’s Hamed Traoré has been in fine form, leading with 9 goals this season.
  Given these factors, it’s reasonable to expect Auxerre to capitalize on Reims’ defensive vulnerabilities and secure a win.

Reims vs Auxerre Odds

Given the current form and standings, Auxerre comes into this match as a slightly more favorable pick despite Reims being the bookmakers’ favorite. Reims has struggled recently, making Auxerre’s 2.93 odds for a win look quite appealing. Meanwhile, the draw at 3.26 also offers a tempting outcome for those expecting a tight encounter.

Reims Team Analysis

Reims Recent Performance

Reims’ recent form has been anything but stellar, with no wins in their last five matches. Here’s a quick look at their results:

In these last five matches, Reims have struggled defensively, conceding 11 goals and managing just 1.20 goals per game. Moreover, they have kept zero clean sheets, which underlines their shaky defensive line.

With key players like Keito Nakamura, who is their top scorer with 8 goals this season, trying their best, the team still finds itself in need of a much-needed win to boost morale. The absence of several injured players hasn’t helped their cause, leading to an evident drop in form.

Their next match against Auxerre is crucial, and they’ll need to tighten up defensively to stand a chance of turning around their fortunes.

Reims Key Players

Reims will be leaning heavily on their top scorer, Keito Nakamura, who has netted 8 goals this season. With his sharp offensive skills, Nakamura will be crucial in breaking down Auxerre’s defense.

Junya Ito, another forward in the lineup, will complement Nakamura in the attack. They’ll be up against Auxerre’s solid central defenders, Gabriel Osho and Jubal, which promises to be an exciting individual battle.

Expected lineup for Reims:

• Goalkeeper: Yehvann Diouf
• Defenders: Hiroki Sekine, Joseph Okumu, Malcolm Jeng, Sergio Akieme
• Midfielders: John Patrick, Mory Gbane, Valentin Atangana Edoa, Teddy Teuma
• Forwards: Junya Ito, Keito Nakamura

Keeping an eye on these key players and their performance could make all the difference in this crucial match.

Reims Suspensions & Injuries

Reims are facing significant challenges heading into this match, with several key players out due to injuries and suspensions:

These injuries and suspensions will likely disrupt Reims’ tactical setup and offensive rhythm. Missing players like Khadra and Siebatcheu can hamper Reims’ attacking options, while the suspension of Cédric Kipré impacts their defensive solidity. Samba Diawara has his work cut out to field a strong, cohesive side.

Reims Tactics and Formation

Reims Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Keito Nakamura
• Midfield Trio: John Patrick, Mory Gbane, Valentin Atangana Edoa
• Defensive Issues: 11 goals conceded in their last five games

Reims will likely stick with their 4-3-3 formation for this clash. The team’s tactical setup will hinge on getting the ball to their top scorer, Keito Nakamura, who has bagged 8 goals this season.

The midfield trio of John Patrick, Mory Gbane, and Valentin Atangana Edoa will be crucial for controlling the pace of the game and attempting to provide stability despite their recent defensive struggles. With several key players out due to injury, the Reims defense will have to be extra vigilant, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches.

Auxerre Team Analysis

Auxerre Recent Performance

• Recent Form: Loss, Win, Draw, Draw, Loss
• Average goals scored: 1.80 in the last 5 games
• Clean sheets: 1 in the last 5 games
  Auxerre have had a mixed bag of results in their last five Ligue 1 outings, with their form chart reading LWDDL. They bounced back from a defeat against Monaco with a commanding 3-0 win over Marseille. However, back-to-back draws against Brest and Toulouse showcase their inconsistency, rounded off with a recent 1-0 loss to Strasbourg. Despite this, they’ve managed to net an impressive 9 goals in their last 5 matches, proving they pose a constant attacking threat.

Auxerre’s relatively strong attacking performance, highlighted by Hamed Traore’s 9 goals this season, suggests they will exploit Reims’ defensive lapses.

Auxerre Key Players

• Top Scorer: Hamed Traore, with 9 goals, will be a major threat. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him a focal point in Auxerre’s attack.
• Midfield Maestro: Elisha Owusu. His role in controlling the game’s tempo and providing key passes will be crucial.
• Defensive Backbone: Jubal. As a central defender, he’ll need to hold the backline together, especially against Reims’ forwards.

Expected lineup for Auxerre:

• Goalkeeper: Donovan Leon
• Defenders: Gabriel Osho, Jubal, Clément Akpa
• Midfielders: Ki-Jana Hoever, Elisha Owusu, Kévin Danois, Gideon Mensah
• Attackers: Gaetan Perrin, Theo Bair, Hamed Junior Traorè

Look out for the individual battle between Traore and Reims’ central defenders, as it could decide the match’s outcome.

Auxerre Suspensions & Injuries

Auxerre has a couple of key players sidelined due to injury, which could influence their performance.

• Ousoumane Camara is out with a groin injury and is expected to return by mid-March. His absence may weaken their midfield.
• Lasso Coulibaly is dealing with a cruciate ligament injury, with a return expected in early May. The team will miss his defensive skills.

However, with the current lineup being relatively stable, Christophe Pélissier’s squad should still be competitive.

Auxerre Tactics and Formation

Auxerre’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Hamed Traore
• Midfield Quartet: Ki-Jana Hoever, Elisha Owusu, Kévin Danois, Gideon Mensah
• Defensive Trio: Gabriel Osho, Jubal, Clément Akpa
• Notable Strategy: Counter-attacks and utilizing the wings

Auxerre has demonstrated flexibility in their formations across recent matches, frequently deploying a 3-4-3 setup. This formation allows them to leverage the speed of their wingers, Hamed Traore and Gaetan Perrin, for rapid counter-attacks.

In midfield, the duo of Elisha Owusu and Kévin Danois maintain a robust presence, aiding both in defense and attack.

Defensively, the trio of Gabriel Osho, Jubal, and Clément Akpa aim to provide a solid backbone, although they might be tested by Reims’ top scorer Nakamura.

Reims vs Auxerre Head-to-Head Statistics

Here’s a look at the last five meetings between Reims and Auxerre:

Reims have taken three wins out of these last five encounters, making them historically strong at home against Auxerre. However, with the latter’s current form and Reims’ struggles, we could see a different narrative unfold this time.

Odds accurate as of 7th March 2025, 16:19, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.