AJ Auxerre host OGC Nice on Saturday at 22:45 at the Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps for matchday 4 of Ligue 1, looking to end a run of three straight league defeats against a side with a tight defensive record.
The picture is bleak: Auxerre sit bottom of the table without a single point after three games, according to SOSPronostics, which published its preview of the fixture.
A miserable home record
Auxerre have lost three matches in a row and have won only one of their four home games this season. The club has conceded twelve goals in its last five matches, a run that exposes a defense short on control.
The collapse began at Lens, where Auxerre lost 5-2. At home against Angers, Auxerre dominated with 60% possession and twenty shots but still fell 1-3. Against Lyon, the team led 2-0 at half-time before conceding three goals after the break.
Nice bring defensive stability on the road
OGC Nice arrive at the Abbé-Deschamps with a much sturdier record away from home. Nice have lost only once in their last five matches after normal time and have conceded just four goals in that span. Nice currently sit 15th in the table, well above Saturday's hosts.
Auxerre missing five players through injury
Auxerre will be without several regulars. Assane Dioussé, Marvin Senaya, Sekou Fofana, Telli Siwe and Elikya Legros are all sidelined, a blow that leaves an already leaky defense even thinner.
Auxerre have scored just four goals this season against eleven conceded, a goal difference of minus seven that ranks among the worst in the league, according to figures available on the stats page.
Auxerre face growing pressure before facing Nice
Auxerre sit 18th in Ligue 1 with zero points from three games and a recent form of three straight losses, nine points behind leaders Monaco, according to the standings page. The visit of Nice on Saturday at 22:45 opens matchday 4 for both clubs.
The match calendar, looks decisive for Auxerre's season. The coaching staff will also have to manage a squad missing several usual starters for this game at the Abbé-Deschamps.
