Auxerrevs.Dunkerque

Les Diplomates are enjoying a strong first campaign back in Ligue 1 after winning the Ligue 2 title last season, and will face off against a familiar opponent when Luis Castro's second division side visit this weekend.

Match preview

Newly-promoted Auxerre are impressively eighth in Ligue 1 after picking up 21 points from their 15 matches so far, and are even within three points of Nice, who occupy the league's position for entry into next season's UEFA Conference League qualifiers.

Last time out, Pelissier's side came from behind to draw 2-2 with Lens following another stalemate with giants Paris Saint-Germain in the game prior.

In isolation, these results are commendable, though taken in context with their loss on the road against Toulouse on December 1, Les Diplomates are without a win this month.

That being said, Auxerre have lost just one of their last eight games, drawing three and winning four in a stretch that goes back to early October, and this is a huge improvement over their early-season form that saw them lose four consecutive matches between August and September.

When this weekend's competitors met last term in Ligue 2, they emerged with one win apiece, though Sunday's hosts won the most recent clash between the two by a scoreline of 3-1 in April this year, and this may give Pelissier's side a psychological advantage.

In the 2023-24 iteration of the Coupe de France, Auxerre were eliminated in the round of 64 by Nice following a penalty shootout, and Les Diplomates will hope to make it further this time around and add an exciting cup run to their already strong season by beating Dunkerque.

Meanwhile, Les Maritimes have won or progressed from six of their last seven matches in all competitions, and will be full of confidence ahead of the showdown with their former league rivals.

In Ligue 2, Castro's side are third, and as they hunt for promotion to the top flight, their 31 points from 16 games this season has them just two points behind top-of-the-table Lorient in the title race.

Last time out, Dunkerque were dominant in a 3-1 home victory over relegation-threatened Caen, forcing five saves from Malherbe goalkeeper Yannis Clementia and producing 14 shots from inside the box compared to their opponents' two.

In their 2023-24 Coupe de France campaign, Les Maritimes embarrassingly lost 2-1 to fourth-tier side Le Puy Foot in the round of 32, and though they did have to play with 10 men for almost a third of the match, they were already losing 2-0 before half time.

On Sunday against Auxerre, Dunkerque boss Castro will be hoping to make amends to the fans for last term's exit and prove his side are ready for the step up to Ligue 1 next season with his team's third consecutive victory in the cup.

Auxerre form (all competitions):

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Dunkerque Coupe de France form:

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Team News

Auxerre will be without midfielders Lasso Coulibaly and Nathan Buayi-Kiala once again as the pair continue to work their way back from anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

However, while the festive period's matches are likely to feature a midfield with Elisha Owusu and Kevin Danois in the middle of the park, Buayi-Kiala is expected back in January.

Similarly, right-back Ange Loic N'Gatta is also anticipated to return at the start of 2025, and boss Pelissier should start Paul Joly in a wing-back position this weekend in his absence.

As for Dunkerque, striker Yacine Bammou was withdrawn late on against Caen and may not make the XI this weekend.

In his place, Castro could start forward Marco Essimi, who was substituted on for the injured striker in that game.

Auxerre possible starting lineup:

Leon; Osho, Jubal, Akpa; Joly, Owusu, Danois, Mensah; Perrin, Sinayoko, Onaiu

Dunkerque possible starting lineup:

Ortola; Georgen, Sangante, Sasso, Abner; Raghouber; Yassine, Skytta, Bardeli, Rivera; Essimi

We say: Auxerre 1-2 Dunkerque

Both sides will be familiar with each other this weekend having met last season in Ligue 2, and Sunday's clash is likely to be another hard-fought contest.

Written by

Anthony Nolan

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