This Friday evening, AS Saint-Étienne faces OGC Nice in the second leg of the Ligue 1 playoffs. After a 0-0 draw in the first match at Geoffroy-Guichard, the Greens must secure a victory on the French Riviera to secure their promotion to the top flight. Philippe Montanier faces a crucial tactical decision as he prepares his lineup for this decisive clash.
Key absences and unexpected returns
The infirmary at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard remains busy ahead of the trip to Nice. Mahmoud Jaber, Paul Eymard and Chico Lamba are ruled out for the season, while Nadir El Jamali continues his recovery from a knee injury and remains unavailable. Djylian N’Guessan, who missed the first leg, is also sidelined once again.
On a brighter note, Florian Tardieu is back in contention after nearly three months on the sidelines. The midfielder, whose contract expires this summer, could make his final ASSE appearance in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Ben Old has been cleared to play after missing the first leg, though his inclusion may be short-lived as he is set to join his national team for the upcoming World Cup.
Defensive reshuffle and tactical adjustments
Gautier Larsonneur delivered another clean sheet against Nice, and the goalkeeper will be looking to replicate that form in Nice. The ASSE defense, which held firm without conceding a shot on target, will need to be at its best again. Elye Wahi, returning from suspension, adds a new dimension to the OGC Nice attack, forcing Montanier to carefully consider his defensive pairing.
The lateral positions present a dilemma. With Ben Old fit again, his return could force a tactical shift, potentially moving Kevin Pédro to the right flank. Joao Ferreira, who filled in last time, may find himself on the bench if the New Zealander starts.
Midfield dynamics and creative spark
The midfield duo of Luan Gadegbeku and Abdoulaye Kanté are expected to start, having formed a reliable partnership in recent matches. Augustine Boakye, returning from suspension, will take on a playmaking role before joining the Ghanaian national team.
The attack’s make-or-break moment
ASSE’s attack has struggled to break down defenses in recent weeks, with Irvin Cardona particularly underperforming. The Maltese forward, once a match-winner, must rediscover his form to help Saint-Étienne advance. Zuriko Davitashvili, despite his potential, has lacked the creativity needed to unlock stubborn defenses. Meanwhile, Lucas Stassin is set to lead the line, tasked with piercing the OGC Nice defense.
A single objective drives this lineup: to secure AS Saint-Étienne’s promotion to Ligue 1.
