AJ Auxerre has revealed its official lineup for its first Ligue 1 match of the 2026-2027 season, an away fixture at RC Lens this Saturday afternoon. New manager Will Still has selected a team for this symbolic duel against his former club.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5:15 PM at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. AJA lines up with Diop in goal, protected by a back four of Sy, Diomandé, Makosso, and Akpa. The midfield consists of Ahamada, Piedfort, and Danois, while the attack will be led by Faivre, Namaso, and Zossou. Facing them, Lens, last season's runners-up, field a team with Risser, Nawrocki, Ganiou, Sagnan, Abdulhamid, Titraoui, Cuisance, Udol, Thauvin, Sima, and Ivanovic.
Will Still's first team sheet as AJA boss features several interesting choices. Goalkeeper Diop is confirmed as the undisputed number one. In defense, the experienced Makosso partners Diomandé at center-back, while full-backs Sy and Akpa will provide offensive support.
The midfield sees the return of Piedfort from injury, a major asset for build-up play. Statistics from our stats page show that AJA won 60% of its preseason matches with him on the pitch. The attacking trio of Faivre, Namaso, and Zossou promises speed and creativity against Lens's sturdy defense.
This match is the second fixture of the Ligue 1 opening weekend, following Olympique de Marseille's big win over Strasbourg the day before. For Auxerre, it marks a grand return to the top flight after a season in Ligue 2. The club finished second in the championship last season, securing promotion.
The clash holds particular significance for Will Still. The Belgian manager left Lens this summer to take the reins at AJA. "It's a symbolic duel for Will Still," noted Onze Mondial. Facing his former club in his very first official match adds a considerable personal stake to this already key season opener.
AJA's primary objective is clear: to stay in Ligue 1. The fixtures calendar shows a demanding start to the season, with matches against several European contenders within the first five matchdays. The game against Lens is therefore a first major test.
The summer transfer window was marked by several targeted arrivals to strengthen the squad. Attacking midfielder Faivre, signed from a Serie A club, is expected to bring his experience and vision. According to data on our squad page, the professional squad now numbers 24 players, with an average age of 25.
Will Still, known for his pragmatic approach, will need to find solutions against Lens's high press and fast-paced game. Defensive solidity and quick transitions will likely be the watchwords for AJA's tactics. The presence of Piedfort in midfield should help control the ball better and withstand opposition pressure.
The ability of forwards Namaso and Zossou to capitalize on rare chances could be decisive. Lens, for its part, will want to impress its home crowd from the start and prove it can once again challenge Paris Saint-Germain for the title. The confrontation between the two styles of play promises to be fascinating.
AJ Auxerre's next match is scheduled for the following weekend, at home, against Olympique Lyonnais calendar.
