After a rather uneventful 0-0 draw between ASSE and OGC Nice in a packed Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, the stakes are incredibly high for both teams. Philippe Montanier’s squad will strive tonight to return to the top division by defeating the Azuréens in their “Grand Stade,” albeit one with empty stands. The match will be played behind closed doors, a consequence of the disturbances caused by Nice supporters at the conclusion of the 34th Ligue 1 matchday (Nice-Metz, 0-0). This unfortunate restriction means the atmosphere in the stands will be eerily quiet. However, on the pitch, a completely different scenario is anticipated: a game filled with pace, intensity, and a fervor befitting the importance of this Ligue 1 playoff return leg.

For AS Saint-Etienne, there’s good news regarding their lineup: the coaching staff welcomes back New Zealand international Ben Old, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, and Ghanaian Augustine Boakye, an indispensable offensive midfielder for ASSE. Both players, selected for the upcoming World Cup, are included in Philippe Montanier’s match sheet. Facing them, Claude Puel’s OGC Nice squad also sees a significant boost with the return of Elye Wahi, the Azuréens’ star player.

OGC Nice – AS Saint-Etienne, playoff return leg: kick-off at 8:45 PM