Toulouse vs Auxerre Prediction: Win for the home side with under 3.5 goals

In their final Ligue 1 home game of the year, Toulouse and Auxerre will renew hostilities at the Stadium de Toulouse on Saturday night in an effort to prevent a fourth straight 0-0 stalemate. Last weekend, Philippe Montanier's team was defeated in a scoreless draw with Nice, while their guests were defeated 2-1 by Paris Saint-Germain despite their best efforts.

The hosts have had trouble scoring lately, but they have nevertheless managed to earn safety and, thanks to their cup victory in April, are now eligible for the UEFA Europa League. Last time out, Toulouse and Nice drew 0-0 thanks to a superb performance from Toulouse's goalkeeper Maxime Dupe and carelessness on the part of their opponents.

However, despite their difficulties this year, Auxerre is still optimistic about avoiding relegation. Their most recent league match ended in a 2-1 loss to league leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Prior to Lassine Sinayoko's first goal in more than a year, they were behind by two goals after the first 10 minutes of play.

The visitors have 34 points from 36 games, which places them 16th in the league. If they win their final two games, they will be safe.

Anyone may speculate as to how the net remained completely silent throughout Nice's match against Toulouse on Sunday, as both teams just missed snatching a victory at the Allianz Riviera, although a result that would have made little difference.

Toulouse has gone 360 minutes of top-flight football without scoring, losing 1-0 to Lens before being denied by Ajaccio, Nantes, and Nice. It appears that Toulouse depleted their goal-scoring stocks during their 5-1 thumping of Nantes in the Coupe de France final.

A lack of attacking prowess should not greatly worry Montanier, however, repeated failures in front of their own supporters could. Les Violets are now sitting nicely in 13th position in the league, guaranteeing them a spot in the top division next season.

In fact, the hosts have only earned one point from their past six Ligue 1 home games, losing five straight before holding Nantes on May 14. Auxerre would do well to take advantage of Toulouse's recent weaknesses in their attempt to avoid relegation.

Branco van den Boomen's ankle injury prevented Toulouse from ending their goal drought last weekend, but there is hope that the 27-year-old will be healthy enough to play in what will be his final home game for Les Violets.

The anticipated return of Van den Boomen, who this season ranks second in Europe's top five leagues just behind Joshua Kimmich in terms of progressive passes, ought to drive Denis Genreau out. 

Dupe, Desler, Costa, Nicolaisen, Suazo, Spierings, Sierro, Aboukhlal, Van den Boomen, Chaibi, and Dallinga might be in Toulouse's starting lineup.

The home crowd at the Stade de l'Abbe-Deschamps may have been expecting a Parisien drubbing after Kylian Mbappe scored twice in the first eight minutes of PSG's match with Auxerre, but their team went on to give the champions-elect a very good run for their money.

A drilled Lassine Sinayoko attempt squirmed beneath Gianluigi Donnarumma and into the net just six minutes into the second half, but AJA could not complete a spectacular comeback and are in danger of relegation with two games remaining.

Angers, Ajaccio, and Troyes have already been relegated, and one of Auxerre or Nantes will probably follow them, but Christophe Pelissier's team is in 16th place and has a one-point advantage over Nantes, who will travel to Lille for a daunting matchup in game week 37.

Victory on Saturday is crucial for Auxerre since second-placed Lens still has to come to the Stade de l'Abbe-Deschamps. However, Pelissier's once-resilient crop has only collected two points out of the past 15 available in Ligue 1 and has only managed three victories when travelling this season.

During the defeat to PSG, Auxerre welcomed back injured attacker M'Baye Niang, leaving Pelissier with just one fitness-related question mark in the form of Elisha Owusu, whose Achilles is giving him trouble.

Pelissier did not make any substitutions until the 86th minute against PSG, and he may not see the need to do so again this time. However, Niang's return to fitness may make Nuno Da Costa concerned about keeping his place in the starting lineup.

Radu, Zedadka, Jubal, Toure, Raveloson, Mensah; Hein, Toure, Massengo, Sinayoko; and Niang might be Auxerre's starting lineup.

Toulouse has lost their past four games and is now on a streak of three draws. They've played six home games without a victory, and they'll be eager to break that drought. Van den Boomen's anticipated return will significantly improve Toulouse's build-up play despite their recent offensive failings, and Auxerre isn't exactly expert at defending tightly against the Coupe de France champions.

Although Pelissier's team hasn't often been blown away in 2023, a win might ensure the visitors' safety if other outcomes go their way. However, we don't expect any surprises to be sprung against a strong Toulouse backline as the battle for survival gets down to the wire.

In contrast, Auxerre has lost five straight games and has a streak of back-to-back losses. They have only won one of their previous five road games, and they might lose this one.

A win is expected for the home side.