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Prediction published on Apr 23, 2026 2:07 PM by Dario in France - Ligue 1 | Modified on Apr 23, 2026 2:07 PM
The 31st round of Ligue 1 continues this Saturday afternoon with an intriguing clash between Olympique Lyonnais and AJ Auxerre. The home side come into this encounter full of confidence after a remarkable 1-2 victory away to Paris Saint Germain, a result that reignited their push for a top-three finish and a potential Champions League spot. With only a few rounds left in the season, Lyon know that every point counts and will be eager to maintain their momentum in front of their supporters at the Groupama Stadium.
For Auxerre, the situation is far more delicate. Sitting in 16th place, the visitors are still fighting to secure their Ligue 1 status. They remain within touching distance of safety but cannot afford to drop too many points in the final stretch. A positive result away from home would be a major boost, especially against one of the league’s stronger sides.
Olympique Lyonnais have shown signs of resurgence in recent weeks. Their impressive win over PSG followed a solid 2-0 home victory against Lorient, marking two consecutive triumphs that have lifted team morale. Over the course of the season, Lyon have recorded 16 wins, 6 draws, and 8 defeats, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match. Their consistency at home has been a key factor, with at least one goal scored in 19 of their last 20 home matches and no losses at half time in 18 of those 20.
Recent performances underline their attacking reliability. Lyon have scored in every home game since early winter, and their ability to find the net in the second half has been particularly notable — with over 0.5 goals scored after the break in 18 of their last 20 home fixtures. This pattern suggests a team that grows stronger as the match progresses, often turning tight contests in their favor.
Despite a challenging mid-season period that included six winless league matches and eliminations from both the Coupe de France and Europa League, Lyon’s recent form indicates a return to stability. Their last five matches show 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats, with an average of 1.0 goal scored and 1.0 conceded. The balance between attack and defense has improved, and the squad appears to be peaking at the right time.
Auxerre approach this match under pressure but with some encouraging signs. Their recent 2-2 draw against Monaco demonstrated resilience and attacking intent, even if defensive lapses remain a concern. Over the last five matches, Auxerre have recorded 1 win, 3 draws, and 1 defeat, averaging 1.2 goals scored and 0.8 conceded. While these numbers show improvement compared to earlier in the season, the team still struggles to convert draws into victories.
Across the campaign, Auxerre’s record stands at 5 wins, 10 draws, and 15 defeats, with an average of 0.8 goals scored and 1.3 conceded per game. Their away form has been problematic, with 8 losses in 15 away fixtures, and they have often found it difficult to maintain defensive solidity against top-tier opponents. However, their ability to grind out results — such as three consecutive draws before this fixture — keeps them within reach of safety.
Auxerre’s recent matches have tended to be tight affairs, with under 0.5 goals in 4 of their last 11 Ligue 1 games. This suggests a cautious approach, prioritizing defensive organization over attacking risk. Yet, with relegation pressure mounting, they may need to take more chances, especially against a Lyon side that rarely fails to score at home.
This encounter brings together two teams with contrasting ambitions. Lyon are chasing a Champions League berth, while Auxerre are battling to avoid relegation. The home side’s attacking rhythm and strong record at the Groupama Stadium make them clear favorites, but complacency could be dangerous against an opponent fighting for survival.
Historically, meetings between these two sides have been balanced, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat for Lyon in their last five head-to-heads, averaging 1.6 goals scored and 1.2 conceded. The most recent encounter ended in a goalless draw, highlighting Auxerre’s capacity to frustrate stronger teams. However, given Lyon’s current form and home advantage, a more open contest could unfold this time.
Expect Lyon to control possession and press high, seeking to exploit spaces in Auxerre’s defense. The visitors, on the other hand, will likely rely on counterattacks and set pieces to create danger. If Lyon maintain their recent defensive discipline and continue to find goals in the second half, they should have enough to secure another crucial victory.
Lyon vs Auxerre prediction from BetMines: Home Win (1) with 60% probability.
Given Lyon’s superior form, strong home record, and attacking consistency, the data supports a home victory. Auxerre’s resilience may keep the match competitive, but the hosts’ momentum and quality should ultimately prevail as they continue their pursuit of a top-three finish.
This section provides average statistics and percentages on the main markets for the last 10 matches of both teams
Olympique Lyonnais
Auxerre
Under
Over
Under
Over
0.5
2
8
2
8
1.5
2
8
3
7
2.5
5
5
4
6
3.5
8
2
6
4
4.5
8
2
9
1