Auxerre vs Nice - Ligue 1

A fascinating Ligue 1 chapter awaits on May 10, 2026 when Auxerre take on Nice at Stade de l'Abbé Deschamps — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Manchester United drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain in their fourth pre-season fixture of the summer on Saturday.

There is plenty riding on this Ligue 1 encounter for Auxerre and Nice alike, and neither will want to leave Stade de l'Abbé Deschamps empty-handed. Consistency has eluded Auxerre in recent weeks, with WWWDD in their last five and a win rate of 26.32% that tells of an up-and-down campaign. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, WLDDL in their last five reflecting a win rate of 28.95%. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. Larson’s long-term plans have attracted renewed attention following teammate Alex Bowman’s recent announcement that he intends to retire from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2027 season.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Auxerre will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Nice will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "If I’m Manchester United right now, I say press the green button and buy him, take him, right now.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. The ex-AC Milan midfielder superbly set up Ait-Nouri's opener before he restored City's lead with a fine low finish across goal from Semenyo's inventive backheel assist.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With positions in the Ligue 1 table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".