Paris FC vs AJ Auxerre Match Preview: Ligue 1 2025/26 – Matchday 13
Match Details
Competition: Ligue 1 2025/26 – Matchday 13
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Kick-Off: 19:00 GMT (20:00 CET)
Venue: Stade Charléty, Paris, France
Referee: TBA
TV Coverage: BeIN Sports (France), ESPN+ (US)
Current Standings and Context
This Ligue 1 encounter brings together two promoted clubs experiencing contrasting fortunes in their campaigns. Paris FC currently occupy 11th position with 14 points from 12 matches, demonstrating admirable resilience in their return to the top flight after seven years in Ligue 2. Meanwhile, AJ Auxerre sit in 18th place, dangerously positioned in the relegation zone and desperately needing points to escape the drop.
The contrasting circumstances create a fascinating dynamic. Paris FC earned promotion alongside Lorient last season, finishing as Ligue 2 champions or runners-up, and have adapted reasonably well to Premier League football. Auxerre, despite their rich history and last season’s promotion, find themselves battling relegation in what has been a challenging return to Ligue 1.
This match represents a crucial six-pointer for both clubs’ contrasting objectives. Paris FC seek to consolidate their mid-table position and build on their impressive comeback to Ligue 1, while Auxerre desperately need three points to climb out of the relegation zone and reignite their survival campaign.
Team Form Analysis
Paris FC – Solid Adaptation to Top Flight
Paris FC’s return to Ligue 1 after seven years in the wilderness has exceeded many expectations. The capital city’s second club has demonstrated tactical discipline, fighting spirit, and competitive quality that makes them difficult opponents at Stade Charléty.
With 14 points from 12 matches, Paris FC have shown they belong at this level. Their four wins, two draws and six defeats represent a respectable return for a newly-promoted side, and they currently sit comfortably clear of the relegation zone in 11th position.
Recent form has been inconsistent but competitive. Paris FC have demonstrated their ability to compete with established Ligue 1 teams while occasionally suffering defeats against superior opposition. Their home form provides the foundation for survival, with Stade Charléty becoming a venue where they can secure valuable points.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
L-W-D-L-W
Home Record:
Paris FC’s home performances have been crucial to their campaign. They’ve collected the majority of their points at Stade Charléty, where passionate support and familiarity with the surroundings provide significant advantages. Against fellow strugglers like Auxerre, home advantage could prove decisive.
AJ Auxerre – Struggling for Survival
Christophe Pélissier’s AJ Auxerre find themselves in a precarious position. After earning promotion back to Ligue 1 last season, the Burgundy club has struggled to adapt to the elevated competition, currently occupying 18th position with minimal points separating them from safety.
Auxerre’s defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed repeatedly this season. They’ve conceded goals regularly against superior opposition, and their attacking output hasn’t compensated for defensive frailties. The lack of clean sheets and inability to secure victories has left them dangerously positioned in the relegation zone.
However, there are positive signs. Auxerre have demonstrated fighting spirit in several matches, scoring in consecutive games and showing they possess the quality to trouble defenses when performing to their capabilities. Against Paris FC, they face opponents they should be capable of competing with effectively.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
L-D-W-L-D
Away Record:
Auxerre’s away form represents their primary concern. They’ve struggled to collect points on the road this season, with defensive organization breaking down under pressure from hostile crowds. The trip to Paris represents another difficult challenge, though facing fellow promoted opposition provides encouragement.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical record between these clubs is limited at Ligue 1 level, as this represents one of their first competitive meetings in the top flight. Paris FC and Auxerre have faced each other in Ligue 2 competition previously, with results generally competitive between two clubs of similar stature.
Historical Context:
Both clubs possess rich histories in French football. Paris FC were founded in 1969 and have spent periods in Ligue 1, though their history has been overshadowed by their neighbors Paris Saint-Germain. Auxerre enjoyed tremendous success under Guy Roux, winning Ligue 1 in 1996 and regularly competing in European competition during the 1990s and 2000s.
This match represents an opportunity for both clubs to establish bragging rights in what could become a regular fixture if both maintain their Ligue 1 status.
Tactical Analysis
Paris FC’s Approach
Paris FC will deploy a pragmatic tactical approach emphasizing defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities. As the home team facing struggling opposition, they’ll look to control proceedings territorially while remaining alert to Auxerre’s attacking threats.
The key for Paris FC will be maintaining concentration throughout the 90 minutes and avoiding the defensive lapses that have cost them points against superior opposition. Against Auxerre’s vulnerable defense, Paris FC must demonstrate clinical finishing to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Defensive discipline and organization
- Exploiting wide areas through quick transitions
- Set-piece threat from corners and free-kicks
- Physical intensity to dominate midfield battles
- Clinical finishing when opportunities arise
Auxerre’s Game Plan
Christophe Pélissier must organize Auxerre to secure a desperately-needed away victory. The manager will likely adopt a balanced 3-5-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity while maintaining attacking threat through pacey forwards.
Auxerre’s survival depends on securing points in matches like this against fellow strugglers. They cannot afford to surrender meekly and must demonstrate the fighting spirit required to escape relegation. Against Paris FC’s organized defense, Auxerre must show creativity and composure in the final third.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Compact defensive shape to limit space
- Quick transitions when winning possession
- Utilizing Hamed Traoré’s creativity
- Set-piece opportunities as scoring chances
- Maintaining discipline to avoid conceding early
Team News and Injuries
Paris FC – Squad Fitness
Paris FC approach this fixture with a largely fit squad, providing manager significant tactical options. The squad’s health represents an important advantage as they seek crucial points against relegation rivals.
Confirmed Absences:
- Minimal injury concerns reported
Tactical Considerations:
The manager will likely field his strongest available XI, recognizing the importance of securing three points against direct relegation rivals. Fresh legs and competitive intensity throughout the squad provide Paris FC with advantages.
AJ Auxerre – Multiple Absences
Auxerre travel to Paris with several fitness concerns affecting squad depth. Manager Christophe Pélissier must cope without key players who would strengthen their chances.
Confirmed Absences:
- Ange-Loïc N’Gatta (injury)
- Ousmane Camara (long-term injury)
- Lasso Coulibaly (injury)
- Gideon Mensah (injury)
Key Players Available:
- Hamed Traoré (leading scorer – crucial)
- Lassine Sinayoko (attacking threat)
- Jubal (defensive leader)
The absences weaken Auxerre’s options, but they possess sufficient quality in the remaining squad to compete effectively. Hamed Traoré’s availability provides attacking hope.
Predicted Lineups
Paris FC (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Vincent Demarconnay
Defense: Nouha Dicko, Mamadou Mbow, Timothée Kolodziejczak, Cyril Mandouki
Midfield: Julien López, Ilan Kebbal
Attacking Midfield: Adama Camara, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Alimani Gory
Striker: Morgan Guilavogui
Substitutes: Obed Nkambadio, Maxime Bernauer, Pierre-Yves Hamel, Samir Chergui, Tuomas Ollila
AJ Auxerre (3-5-2):
Goalkeeper: Donovan Léon
Defense: Jubal, Gabriel Osho, Sinaly Diomandé
Midfield: Paul Joly, Elisha Owusu, Rayan Raveloson, Kévin Danois, Clément Akpa
Forwards: Hamed Traoré, Lassine Sinayoko
Substitutes: Théo De Percin, Ki-Jana Hoever, Gaëtan Perrin, Florian Ayé, Theo Bair, Ado Onaiwu
Key Players to Watch
Paris FC
Jean-Philippe Krasso: The forward provides goal threat and physical presence leading Paris FC’s attacking line. His movement and finishing ability make him dangerous against vulnerable defenses like Auxerre’s.
Ilan Kebbal: The midfielder orchestrates Paris FC’s play with creativity and vision. His ability to unlock defenses with passes and movement makes him crucial to their attacking approach.
Alimani Gory: The winger brings pace, directness and unpredictability. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one could exploit space behind Auxerre’s defensive line.
AJ Auxerre
Hamed Traoré: The attacking midfielder represents Auxerre’s primary goal threat with six goals this season. His creativity, vision and finishing ability make him dangerous throughout matches. Auxerre’s survival prospects largely depend on his continued productivity.
Lassine Sinayoko: The striker provides pace, movement and clinical finishing. His ability to find space in penalty areas and convert chances makes him Auxerre’s most dangerous forward.
Jubal: The experienced defender leads Auxerre’s backline with organizational skills and aerial ability. His performance will largely determine whether Auxerre can contain Paris FC’s attacking threats.
Statistical Insights
Paris FC Statistics
- 14 points from 12 Ligue 1 matches (4W, 2D, 6L)
- Currently 11th in Ligue 1 table
- First season back in Ligue 1 after seven years
- Promoted as Ligue 2 champions/runners-up
- Scored 18 goals, conceded 21
- Home form crucial to survival prospects
AJ Auxerre Statistics
- Currently 18th in Ligue 1 (relegation zone)
- Struggled defensively throughout campaign
- Hamed Traoré leading scorer with six goals
- Scored in recent consecutive matches
- Multiple injury concerns affecting squad depth
- Away form particularly concerning
Historical Context
- First Ligue 1 meeting between clubs in modern era
- Both promoted from Ligue 2 last season
- Paris FC after seven-year absence
- Auxerre seeking immediate return after relegation
Match Predictions and Betting Insights
Expert Analysis
The contrasting circumstances create intriguing dynamics. Paris FC’s home advantage and superior recent form make them favorites, but Auxerre’s desperation and quality when performing well cannot be dismissed.
This represents a genuine relegation six-pointer disguised as a mid-table versus struggling team encounter. Both clubs understand the importance of securing points against direct rivals, creating additional pressure and intensity.
Key Factors
- Home Advantage: Paris FC’s Stade Charléty provides psychological edge
- Form Contrast: Paris FC’s stability vs Auxerre’s relegation concerns
- Attacking Quality: Both teams possess goal threats
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Both teams have conceded regularly
- Desperation: Auxerre’s survival needs vs Paris FC’s consolidation ambitions
Goals and Scoring Patterns
Expect an entertaining encounter with goals likely at both ends. Both teams have demonstrated defensive vulnerabilities this season, while possessing attacking quality capable of troubling defenses.
Over 2.5 goals appears likely given both teams’ recent scoring patterns and defensive concerns. Both teams to score is probable given attacking capabilities and defensive frailties on display.
Score Prediction: Paris FC 2-1 AJ Auxerre
Paris FC will secure a crucial victory through home advantage, superior form, and Auxerre’s defensive vulnerabilities. The hosts will control proceedings for extended periods, creating multiple chances that eventually deliver goals.
Jean-Philippe Krasso should find the net, while additional goals come from midfield runners or set-piece situations. Auxerre will score through Hamed Traoré’s quality, exploiting one of Paris FC’s defensive lapses, but ultimately leave Paris empty-handed.
The match will be competitive throughout, with Auxerre pushing desperately for an equalizer that would represent valuable points in their survival battle. However, Paris FC’s home advantage and superior organization prove decisive in securing three crucial points.
Final Verdict
Winner: Paris FC (2-1)
This Saturday evening encounter represents contrasting narratives of adaptation and survival. Paris FC seek to build on their impressive return to Ligue 1, utilizing home advantage and passionate support to secure victory against relegation-threatened opposition. Auxerre desperately need points to escape the drop zone and demonstrate they possess the quality to remain in the top flight.
Paris FC have exceeded expectations in their first season back in Ligue 1. Their tactical discipline, competitive spirit, and home form provide the foundation for comfortable survival. Against Auxerre, they face opponents they should be beating, making victory essential for maintaining momentum and confidence.
For Auxerre, this represents one of their most winnable remaining fixtures. Christophe Pélissier must organize his team to demonstrate fighting spirit and quality that has been absent too often this season. The multiple absences weaken their prospects, but players like Hamed Traoré and Lassine Sinayoko possess sufficient quality to trouble any defense.
The tactical battle will be fascinating. Paris FC’s organized defensive approach contrasts with Auxerre’s need to attack and secure points. Both managers understand the stakes, creating additional pressure that could produce errors and scoring opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
Key individual battles will prove decisive. The midfield contest between Ilan Kebbal and Elisha Owusu will largely determine which team controls possession and tempo, while Jean-Philippe Krasso faces physical battles against Jubal’s defensive leadership. Hamed Traoré’s creativity will be tested by Paris FC’s defensive organization throughout.
Final Prediction: Paris FC 2-1 AJ Auxerre
Paris FC will secure a deserved victory that consolidates their mid-table position and demonstrates their Ligue 1 credentials. The hosts will dominate territorially, create numerous chances, and demonstrate why Stade Charléty has become a difficult venue for visiting teams.
Auxerre will compete throughout and score through Traoré’s quality, but ultimately lack the defensive organization and squad depth to prevent defeat. This result maintains Paris FC’s comfortable position while leaving Auxerre in the relegation battle, desperately seeking consistency to secure their top-flight status. The match will entertain with attacking quality from both teams, though Paris FC’s home advantage and superior form prove decisive in securing three crucial points.
