The stakes couldn’t be higher as AS Saint-Étienne heads to Nice this Friday night for the decisive second leg of the Ligue 1 playoffs. With last week’s 0-0 draw at home leaving the door ajar, the Greens must now secure a victory on the Riviera to seal their promotion to France’s top flight. The pressure is mounting, and Philippe Montanier faces a crucial tactical puzzle ahead of the all-or-nothing clash.
With the infirmary still packed ahead of this high-pressure encounter, Montanier’s selection dilemma grows more complex. Mahmoud Jaber, Paul Eymard and Chico Lamba have already been ruled out for the season, while Nadir El Jamali remains sidelined after his knee injury. The absence of Djylian N’Guessan, who missed the first leg, further complicates the midfield setup.
Positive news arrives in the form of Florian Tardieu, who has fought his way back from a three-month layoff and could earn one last appearance in green. The midfielder, whose contract expires this summer, has hinted at a potential move away—this could be his final bow for the club. Adding to the intrigue, Ben Old returns from injury just in time to face his former club, though his inclusion may hinge on whether Montanier starts him before his international call-up for the World Cup.
Defensive reshuffle likely as Nice sharpen their attack
The defensive backbone that held firm against Nice last time out remains a question mark. Gautier Larsonneur’s clean sheet against the Côte d’Azur side proved vital, but Elye Wahi’s return from suspension adds fresh firepower to Nice’s attack. Montanier is expected to stick with the Le Cardinal-Bernauer pairing at the heart of defense, though uncertainty looms over the full-back positions.
Ben Old’s fitness raises doubts, while Dennis Appiah’s muscular issue has forced a tactical shuffle. João Ferreira’s introduction last time out created ripple effects, with Kévin Pédro sliding into the left-back slot. This evening, Pédro should start—but his exact role remains fluid. With Old potentially slotting in at left-back, Pédro may find himself on the right flank, adding another layer of unpredictability to Montanier’s setup.
A midfield battle that could decide everything
Luan Gadegbeku and Abdoulaye Kanté are expected to reprise their central midfield partnership, having formed a reliable axis in recent outings. Augustine Boakye, back from suspension and set to join Ghana’s national team, will likely operate as the team’s creative fulcrum, pulling the strings from deep.
Attack woes must be solved—or dreams will fade
Something has to give in Saint-Étienne’s attack. For weeks, the team’s forwards have struggled to trouble opposition defenses, with Irvin Cardona and Zuriko Davitashvili particularly culpable. Cardona, once the hero of Ligue 2, now finds himself under immense scrutiny, his confidence visibly waning. A goal this evening could lift the weight off his shoulders—and potentially send his club soaring into Ligue 1.
Davitashvili, despite his flair, has lacked the final touch in recent games. The Georgian winger’s spontaneity has been conspicuous by its absence, yet his ability to unlock defenses remains undeniable. He should start on the left wing, tasked with exploiting the spaces behind Nice’s backline.
Lucas Stassin, the Belgian striker, completes the front three. His movement and hold-up play could prove decisive in stretching Nice’s defensive structure and creating opportunities for his teammates.
The eleven Montanier fields on Friday will carry a single mission: to write the final chapter of Saint-Étienne’s season and secure a place in Ligue 1.
