Lens and Auxerre face opening-day selection headaches

Lens and Auxerre will begin their Ligue 1 campaigns with both sides managing significant changes to their squads, as well as a number of injuries and suspensions. The Racing Club de Lens are without Thorgan Hazard and Antonio after their suspensions, while Auxerre also have doubts over several players ahead of the meeting.

Lens must also cope with a depleted defence. Samson Baidoo, Gradit and Chavez are expected to miss the match, while Celik remains uncertain. Edouard could return to the squad, offering the hosts another attacking option for the opening fixture.

Despite losing several important players during the transfer window, Lens have retained a competitive core. Malang Sarr, Said, Thomasson and Mamadou Sangare have all departed, but the club have added Maik Nawrocki, Franjo Ivanovic, Matthieu Cuisance and Yacine Titraoui. Those new arrivals could again be included from the start against Auxerre.

The likely Lens XI is expected to feature Robin Risser in goal, with Ruben Aguilar, Ismaelo Ganiou, Maik Nawrocki and Saud Abdulhamid forming the defence.

Andrija Bulatovic, Yacine Titraoui and Matthieu Udol are the probable midfield selection, while Florian Thauvin, Franjo Ivanovic and Odsonne Edouard are set to lead the attack.

Lens probable team

Goalkeeper: Robin Risser

Defenders: Ruben Aguilar, Ismaelo Ganiou, Maik Nawrocki, Saud Abdulhamid

Midfielders: Andrija Bulatovic, Yacine Titraoui, Matthieu Udol

Forwards: Florian Thauvin, Franjo Ivanovic, Odsonne Edouard

Auxerre also have selection problems to resolve before travelling to face Lens. Bryan Oko and Assane Diousse are injured, while Telli Siwe, Casimir and Lasso Coulibaly are all considered doubtful.

The visitors have experienced a number of notable departures. Leon, Gideon Mensah, Elisha Owusu and Lassine Sinayoko are among the players no longer at the club, but Auxerre have brought in Sekou Fofana, Piedfort, Wei, Christ Makosso, Nardi and Mamadou Diop.

One further uncertainty concerns Labeau Lascary. The forward, who is on loan from Lens, may not be eligible to play against his parent club.

Mamadou Diop is expected to start in goal for Auxerre, behind a defensive line of Lamine Sy, Sinaly Diomande, Clement Akpa and Christ Makosso.

Arthur Piedfort, Naouirou Ahamada and Kevin Danois are the likely midfielders, with Romain Faivre, Aristide Zossou and Danny Namaso forming the probable front three.

Auxerre probable team

Goalkeeper: Mamadou Diop

Defenders: Lamine Sy, Sinaly Diomande, Clement Akpa, Christ Makosso

Midfielders: Arthur Piedfort, Naouirou Ahamada, Kevin Danois

Forwards: Romain Faivre, Aristide Zossou, Danny Namaso

The fixture will be Lens’ first match of the French championship season and gives both clubs an early opportunity to assess how their reshaped squads perform in competitive action.

Pre-match betting odds listed Lens as favourites, with a home win priced at 1.56. The draw was rated at 4.40, while an Auxerre victory was priced at 5.80.