The AS Saint-Étienne heads to Nice this Friday evening for the second leg of the Ligue 1 playoffs, following a goalless draw in the first meeting. Philippe Montanier’s side must secure a victory on the Côte d’Azur to clinch promotion to France’s top flight. Here’s the likely starting XI for this decisive clash.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for OGC Nice, who must win to avoid relegation. After a dull goalless draw at Geoffroy-Guichard, the stakes shifted dramatically—the Azuréens now face elimination if they fail to overturn the result. The pressure is on for both sides, but Saint-Étienne’s players must shed their recent home scoring drought if they hope to progress.
Injury updates and key absences
The ASSE medical team faces a packed agenda before kickoff. Mahmoud Jaber, Paul Eymard, and Chico Lamba are ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Nadir El Jamali remains sidelined with a knee injury and is not yet match-fit. Djylian N’Guessan, who missed the first leg, is also unavailable due to a recurring issue. On a brighter note, Florian Tardieu returns to fitness after nearly three months out and could make his final appearance for the club before a potential summer departure, as he confirmed earlier this week.
Ben Old, the New Zealand international, is back in the squad after missing the first leg. His inclusion adds depth, though his availability may be short-lived as he prepares to join his national team for the World Cup qualifiers.
Defensive stability and tactical shifts
Gautier Larsonneur delivered another clean sheet against Nice, keeping his goal intact. His form will be pivotal if Saint-Étienne is to keep a clean sheet in Nice. The defensive pairing of Le Cardinal and Bernauer is expected to start, with Elye Wahi—returning from suspension—adding firepower for the hosts.
The backline sees a reshuffle. Ben Old, fit again, is likely to feature, albeit in an unfamiliar left-back role, pushing Kevin Pédro to the right flank. The uncertainty around Dennis Appiah, who suffered a muscular issue, further complicates Montanier’s options.
Midfield cohesion and attacking creativity
Luan Gadegbeku and Abdoulaye Kanté are set for their fourth consecutive start together. Their partnership has provided much-needed stability in midfield, while Augustine Boakye—returning from suspension—will orchestrate play before joining the Ghanaian national team. His vision and passing range could unlock stubborn defences.
The attack remains a concern. Irvin Cardona, once a match-winner, struggles with confidence and form. His inclusion on the right wing will be critical if Saint-Étienne is to break down a resilient Nice defence. Zuriko Davitashvili, deployed on the left, must rediscover his flair to create chances, while Lucas Stassin leads the line, tasked with testing the Nice goalkeeper.
