Drowning: Auxerre's Last Stand Against Lille's Ascent
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 68/100. Auxerre confronts its mortality at home against a Lille outfit hunting European football—this is a relegation six-pointer masquerading as a mismatch.
The Setup
Auxerre is in freefall. Just 9 points from 14 matches, three consecutive defeats, and a home record of 2 wins from 7 outings—the form is dire. A -12 goal difference betrays an attack that has misfired catastrophically. Lille, by contrast, arrives as conquerors: 29 points, fourth place, and a defensive fortress anchored by goalkeeper Berke Özer, who has posted 11 saves across five matches with three clean sheets. The balance is non-existent—this is a coronation, not a contest.
Key Battle
Without standout individual stars to frame a duel, the tactical battle is asymmetrical: Auxerre's fractured backline versus Lille's methodical, possession-based attack. Aïssa Mandi, Lille's defensive anchor, embodies this superiority with a 7.5/10 average rating over five matches. Auxerre must find scraps on the counter; Lille will suffocate them instead.
Our Prediction
Lille dominate from kickoff, control possession, and suffocate Auxerre's creativity. The hosts, desperate, launch long balls into the void but Özer stands firm. Lille win 0-2 or 1-3. Auxerre leave the Stade de l'Abbé Deschamps with nothing, one step closer to the drop.
Key Questions
Should I watch this match?
Only if you relish relegation drama. Lille dominate; the intrigue lies in whether Auxerre show any fight before the inevitable collapse.
What's the predicted outcome?
Lille 0-2 or 1-3. Auxerre lack the squad depth and mental resilience to compete. A commanding away victory.
Where are Auxerre and Lille in the league table?
Lille fourth with 29 points. Auxerre 18th with 9 points. A 20-point chasm after 15 matches—a chasm that will widen.
What is Auxerre's current form?
Catastrophic. Three consecutive defeats, two wins in 14 matches, and only a 28.6% home win rate. The drop beckons.
Who is the in-form player to watch?
Aïssa Mandi (Lille): 1 goal in 5 matches, 7.5/10 average. The defensive bedrock keeping Lille's title bid alive.
Why is this match rated 68/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 68/100 places this match in the "Worth Watching" category.