RC Lens vs AJ Auxerre kicks off at 16:15 [GMT+1] on Saturday, August 22, at Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Lens will begin their Ligue 1 campaign at home to Auxerre, looking to maintain the momentum generated by a remarkable end to last season and an eye-catching start to 2026/27. Having lifted the Coupe de France last term, Les Sang et Or added another piece of silverware to their collection by beating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Trophée des Champions. It was a dream beginning for new manager Dino Toppmöller, who has inherited a side that won 68% of their matches last season—the fourth-highest win rate across Europe’s top-five leagues and the best in the club’s post-war history. Home form could prove crucial if Lens are to challenge near the top of the table again. They collected a league-high 42 points on home soil last season, winning 14 of their 17 matches and losing only three [14W, 0D, 3L]. However, there is one statistic that could temper expectations: Les Sang et Or have won just two of their last 10 opening Ligue 1 fixtures, drawing one and losing seven [2W, 1D, 7L]. Their recent record against Auxerre should provide considerably more encouragement. Lens have won seven of their last 10 head-to-head meetings, while they completed the league double over AJA last season [7W, 2D, 1L]. Samson Baidoo and Jhoanner Chávez are set to miss the hosts’ opener. Odsonne Édouard remains doubtful as Toppmöller manages his recovery cautiously ahead of this fixture. Franjo Ivanović may be seen at the attacking end of a 3—4—2—1 pattern against Les Ajaïstes.
Auxerre, meanwhile, will regard simply remaining in Ligue 1 as another achievement after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. They finished 15th, just two points above the drop zone, but produced a dramatic late escape by winning each of their final three matches. That winning streak has given new manager Will Still something to build on, and the former Lens boss could make a dream start against his old club. AJA have also won their last two opening Ligue 1 matches, while victory at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis would see them record four consecutive top-flight wins for the first time since March 2010. Their ability to turn home dominance into another positive result could ultimately prove decisive. Auxerre will be without Fredrik Oppegård, Marvin Senaya, and Bryan Okoh, leaving Still with selection concerns as he prepares for his first league match in charge. Danny Namaso and Theo Bair are expected on the front line of a 4—4—2 setup against Lens.