Saint-Étienne’s ASSE faces a make-or-break moment this Friday as they travel to Nice for the second leg of the Ligue 1 promotion playoffs. After a scoreless draw in the first match at Geoffroy-Guichard, the Verts must secure a victory on the Côte d’Azur to clinch their spot in France’s top flight. Manager Philippe Montanier has a clear vision for the lineup that will take on OGC Nice in this decisive encounter.
Photograph: The probable starting XI for ASSE’s high-stakes playoff return against Nice
Saint-Étienne’s offensive struggles have been evident in recent weeks, with the team failing to pose a real threat to opposing defenses—except in a rare outing where opponents had nothing left to play for. The Verts’ attack will need a dramatic turnaround if they are to overturn a goalless first leg.
Injury updates and lineup dilemmas
The infirmary at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard remains busy ahead of the trip to Nice, with Mahmoud Jaber, Paul Eymard, and Chico Lamba ruled out for the remainder of the season. Nadir El Jamali, still recovering from a knee injury, has not recovered enough to be included in the squad, while Djylian N’Guessan continues his recovery away from the team. Both players are set to miss the match.
On a brighter note, Florian Tardieu is nearing a return after nearly three months on the sidelines. The midfielder, who will leave the club at the end of the season, could make his final appearance for ASSE in Nice. Ben Old, the New Zealand international, is also back in contention after missing the first leg and will be eager to prove his fitness.
Defensive reshuffle on the cards
Gautier Larsonneur delivered another clean sheet against Nice, and the goalkeeper will be looking to replicate that performance in the return fixture. The Verts’ defense held firm last time out, and Philippe Montanier is expected to stick with the central defensive pairing of Le Cardinal and Bernauer.
Uncertainty surrounds the full-back positions. Ben Old, returning from injury, may start on the left flank, pushing Kevin Pédro to the right side. Joao Ferreira, who filled in last time, had to leave the field early due to muscular discomfort, adding another layer of tactical complexity for Montanier.
Midfield dynamics and creative spark
Luan Gadegbeku and Abdoulaye Kanté are set to reprise their roles in midfield, forming their fourth consecutive partnership for the club. Augustine Boakye, fresh from suspension, will take up the playmaking duties before departing for international duty with Ghana.
Attacking woes and last-chance saloon
The Verts’ attack has struggled to threaten opposing defenses all season, with Irvin Cardona—once a key player—currently in a deep slump. The Maltese forward, expected to start on the right wing, will need to rediscover his form to help his team secure promotion.
Zuriko Davitashvili, another player under pressure, must rediscover his spark if he is to influence the game. The Georgian winger, who will operate on the left flank, has the technical ability to turn the tide in Saint-Étienne’s favor. Up front, Lucas Stassin is expected to lead the line, tasked with putting the OGC Nice defense under pressure.
The lineup Montanier selects this Friday carries a single, non-negotiable objective: to guide ASSE back to Ligue 1 after a grueling season of highs and lows.
