**Ligue 1 prep time** — two French sides tuning up before the season proper, and **Troyes are running hot** with four wins in their last five. 🔥

Auxerre's been scrappy in their friendlies (mixed results, a couple of away losses), while Troyes have demolished everyone at home. The question is whether pre-season form holds in a competitive-ish clash between division rivals.

Key storylines:

- **Troyes' attacking edge**: They've been clinical lately, racking up goals in bunches. **R. Ripart** and **Y. Koné** will be hungry to keep the streak rolling.
- **Auxerre's defensive tweaks**: Missing **M. Senaya** through injury means the backline could be tested. **S. Diomandé** and **B. Okoh** need to stay sharp.
- **Midfield battle**: **E. Owusu** and **K. Danois** for Auxerre versus **M. Diop** and **A. Phliponeau** will set the tempo early.

Expected lineups:

- **Auxerre**: M. Diop, S. Diomandé, B. Okoh, L. Sy, F. Oppegård, E. Owusu, K. Danois, D. Namaso, R. Faivre, M. Cissokho, T. Bair
- **Troyes**: H. Konaté, A. Ouzenadji, A. Monfray, A. Mille, Y. Titi, M. Diop, A. Phliponeau, C. Batola, M. Ifnaoui, Y. Koné, R. Ripart

Prediction:

**Troyes 2–1 Auxerre**. Slight lean on the visitors' momentum, though Auxerre will trouble them on the break.