Mid-table third-tier side Dunkerque are angling for a cup upset against Auxerre on Sunday, yet the form of the hosts means that AJA should be backed at attractive odds.

Dunkerque have struggled in front of their own fans this season. They have failed to win any of their last three league matches at home, with these fixtures exclusively coming against teams below them in the standings. Indeed, they lost against strugglers Sedan and were held by Paris Atletico, who were hovering just above the drop zone at that time. Dunkerque’s last home win of any sort was in September.

Auxerre certainly don’t have an away record to brag about this season – they have lost seven of nine Ligue 1 fixtures – but even with a squad that is likely to be significantly changed given they have a league match to follow on Wednesday, they should have the capacity to overcome such an opponent. Christophe Pelissier can call upon players like Youssouf M’Changama and Mathias Autret to come into his side, men who are top-end Ligue 2 players even if they cannot make the starting XI for AJA currently.

AJA have won all four previous competitive matches with Dunkerque and should be too strong for them once more, even in a changed-up state. Indeed, these clubs were actually Ligue 2 rivals last season, with Auxerre winning 2-0 away and 1-0 at home. While they have got stronger, their opponents have only got weaker.