Auxerre can find the box without needing long spells of possession. Le Mans can disrupt the first pass and still offer a wide outlet through Calodat and Bamba. The key is whether Auxerre can create again after that first resistance.
Faivre, Namaso and Archer all played the full match at Le Havre, where Auxerre made eleven box shots. Namaso and Faivre combined for the goals, and the attack renewed its pressure after Le Havre replied. Le Mans can serve Mafouta and Diallo, but its latest Toulouse match produced little on target before its defence opened up after the break.
Auxerre's latest attacking group and back three are in the official squad. Le Mans now omit Voyer and Larouci after both played Toulouse, while Bourabaa remains out, narrowing its cover and pressing supply. Those current roles give Auxerre several ways to reach a second decisive chance. That's why I'm siding with Auxerre to finish ahead.
