The fate of AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) hangs in the balance as they head to Nice for the second leg of the Ligue 1 playoffs this Friday evening. After a goalless draw in the first leg, the Verts must secure a victory on the Côte d’Azur to clinch promotion to French football’s top flight. Philippe Montanier faces a critical selection dilemma ahead of this decisive showdown.
Injuries and comebacks shape the squad
Montanier’s squad list for Nice reveals a mix of absences and returns. Mahmoud Jaber, Paul Eymard, and Chico Lamba are ruled out for the match, their seasons at Saint-Étienne effectively over. Injury concerns linger over Nadir El Jamali, whose knee issue keeps him sidelined, while Djylian N’Guessan remains unavailable after missing the first leg.
On a brighter note, Florian Tardieu is nearing a return following a three-month layoff. The midfielder, out of contract, could feature in his final game for the club before a potential summer departure. Meanwhile, Ben Old rejoins the squad, having missed the first leg due to international duties. His availability raises tactical questions—will Montanier field him early ahead of a World Cup call-up?
Defensive reshuffle likely
Gautier Larsonneur delivered a clean sheet against Nice, and the goalkeeper will hope to replicate that form in the return leg. The Verts’ defensive solidity was key to the stalemate in Saint-Étienne, though Nice will have Elye Wahi back from suspension, adding firepower to their attack.
Montanier is expected to retain the center-back pairing of Le Cardinal and Bernauer, but the full-back positions remain fluid. Ben Old’s fitness and Dennis Appiah’s muscle strain complicate matters. If Old starts at left-back, Kevin Pédro is likely to shift to the right flank, adapting to Montanier’s tactical tweaks.
Midfielders and creators in focus
The engine room sees Luan Gadegbeku and Abdoulaye Kanté set for another outing, their partnership tested over three consecutive matches. Augustine Boakye, returning from suspension, will likely orchestrate play from midfield before joining Ghana’s national team.
Attacking urgency needed
AS Saint-Étienne’s inability to break down defenses has been a recurring issue, with Irvin Cardona and Zuriko Davitashvili struggling for form. Cardona’s confidence is waning, while Davitashvili lacks the spontaneity that once defined his play. Lucas Stassin, deployed as the lone striker, must provide the cutting edge needed to overcome Nice.
The stakes couldn’t be higher—this lineup has one mission: to secure promotion to Ligue 1.
