Lyon VS AJ Auxerre

Lyon has started the new Ligue 1 season strongly, sitting 4th with 4 points from 2 games (1 win and 1 draw). They had a 2 - 0 away win over Toulouse in the first round and a 1 - 1 home draw against Le Havre in the second. Their defense has been solid, conceding only 1 goal in the two league games. However, Lyon suffered a setback in the Champions League play - offs, losing to Fenerbahce over two legs. Although they were exhausted from the mid - week games, they don't have the burden of competing on two fronts. In terms of injuries, Durandville is out due to a muscle problem, the status of Keito Nakamura's transfer is undecided, and Fofana has left the club. But the core trio of Openda, Tolisso, and N'Kout remains intact. Lyon also has a good record at home, remaining unbeaten in their last 7 meetings against Auxerre with 3 wins and 1 draw. On the other hand, Auxerre has had a nightmare start to the season, sitting at the bottom of the table with 0 points from 2 losses. They were thrashed 1 - 3 by Angers and 2 - 5 by Lens, conceding 8 goals in total, which shows a serious defensive breakdown. Auxerre has a long injury list in defense. Okoh, Sagna, Diusse, and Fofana are all out, and left - back Opgaard is doubtful due to illness. As a result, manager Steele has to cobble together a defensive line. In attack, Auxerre has brought in Archer on loan and has Namaso as a single striker, yet their transition from defense to attack struggles under high - pressing. In the last two head - to - head meetings, the scores were 3 - 2 and 0 - 0. Considering the current form and circumstances, Lyon has a clear edge in this encounter.