Match preview

Saint-Étienne head into this playoff opener full of confidence after a dramatic victory over Rodez in the semifinal. Philippe Montanier’s side booked their place after a tense penalty shootout that stretched to 20 spot-kicks, proving their composure under pressure after failing to find a breakthrough during regular time.

A major strength for the hosts has been their home form. Saint-Étienne have won six of their last eight matches at Geoffroy-Guichard, turning their stadium into a difficult venue for visitors. Having finished the regular campaign with one of the division’s strongest home records, Les Verts will aim to take control early and build an advantage before the return leg.

Nice, meanwhile, arrive under pressure following a disappointing 1-3 defeat to Lens in the Coupe de France final. Claude Puel’s men are now without a win in five straight matches across all competitions, and their performances in recent months have fallen short of expectations for a side targeting top-level football.

Still, the visitors can draw confidence from recent meetings between the two teams. Nice have won each of the last five encounters against Saint-Étienne, including a 2-1 success in the French Cup and a commanding 8-0 league victory in September 2024. However, suspensions and defensive absences — including Eli Wahi being unavailable — could make this tie more evenly balanced than previous meetings suggest.

Probable line-ups

Saint-Étienne: Mobleu; Pedro, Nadé, Bernauer, Old; Moueffek, Kanté; Cardona, Davitashvili, Duffus; Stassen.

Nice: Diouf; Ba, Dante, Mendy; Clauss, Koulibaly, Boudaoui, Bar; Cho, Carlos, Diop.

Match facts and head-to-head

Saint-Étienne have won six of their last eight home games.

Nice are winless in their last five matches across all competitions.

Nice have beaten Saint-Étienne in each of their previous five meetings, including a French Cup victory and an 8-0 league win.

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