Auxerre vs Nice

The numbers tell a clear story for Auxerre: 1 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses in their last 5 outings, worth 4 points — a worrying return. 6 goals scored and 12 conceded in their last 5 appearances point to a side that can generally find a way to score.

Turning to Nice, their recent form paints a contrasting picture. Nice head into this fixture desperate for a turnaround after collecting 3 points from a possible 15 in their last 5. Their attacking output stands at 1 goals in 5 matches, and they have kept 2 clean sheets in that period. Worryingly for Nice, they have drawn blanks in 4 of their last 5 matches, a return that will need to improve against organised opposition. In recent encounters between these sides, Auxerre have dominated with 3 wins, with 3 home wins, 0 away wins and 3 draws. With 14 goals in 6 games (2.3 per match), the fixture has tended to be more measured.

With both teams conceding precious little of late, this promises to be a tactical chess match in which the first goal — if it comes — could carry enormous weight. Form and personnel are remarkably balanced heading into this one, and the margin between the sides could be razor-thin. Fresh legs from the bench could prove pivotal in the closing stages.

This is a closely contested fixture, with the data suggesting a draw (29%) is the most likely outcome. The predicted scoreline of 2-1 reflects the evenly matched nature of the contest. Confidence here is modest at 45%, reflecting just how hard this fixture is to call. Whatever unfolds, this Ligue 1 contest is not to be missed.