Lens - Auxerre

Lens carry significant confidence into their Ligue 1 season opener after a narrow victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup on 16 August 2026. The hosts will look to maintain that winning rhythm as they welcome Auxerre to Stade Bollaert-Delelis on 22 August 2026 for this matchday 1 encounter. While the home side enters the fixture with a settled rhythm, they must navigate the absence of the suspended Kyllian Antonio, forcing a slight reshuffle in their defensive planning as they look to integrate the expected XI featuring Franjo Ivanovic and Florian Thauvin.

Auxerre face a difficult start to their campaign, particularly with Bryan Okoh sidelined through injury. Their recent history against Lens has been turbulent, highlighted by a 1-2 defeat on 4 October 2025 following a heavy 0-4 victory earlier that year. With no competitive matches in their recent form guide, the visitors will need to find their feet quickly against a side that has already tasted success this month.