Bitesize Prediction: Auxerre vs Lyon

Competition: Ligue 1

Market: Lyon win

Odds: 5/6

Hoping to make up some ground in the European chase on Friday night, Lyon will make the trip to the Stade de l’Abbe-Deschamps when they meet Auxerre.

Starting with the hosts, while Auxerre might have shocked many across France last season as they booked a top-flight return, Christophe Pelissier’s side are in the midst of a top-flight nightmare. Although the Whites might have been last seen snatching a 1-1 draw away at Angers, they appear to be freefalling their way towards an immediate Ligue 2 return. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in the drop zone and four points adrift of safety, the Burgundy-based outfit have bagged just a single victory from their last seven domestic matchups across all formats. Putting in a woeful display on February 8th as they came crashing out of the Coupe de France thanks to a 3-2 loss at home against lower-league Rodez, Auxeree have continued to show some extended defensive issues this season.

As for the visitors, while Lyon might still find themselves tipped as an outside pick to clinch a European return in 2023, Les Gones are enjoying an extended purple patch. Last seen putting in a stellar display as they claimed a 2-1 win at home against Lens, Laurent Blanc’s side should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Looking to make up some ground in the top-six chase on Friday night, the one-time PSG boss should be smelling a golden chance here. Unbeaten in each of their last six straight domestic matchups, Lyon have also impressed with their free-scoring displays. Along with extending on their Coupe de France adventure thanks to a penalties victory against Lille earlier in the month, Blanc’s side have bagged seven goals in their last three consecutive victories. Given the recent gulf in class, we’re backing an away win this weekend.