Saint-Etienne vs Nice Prediction and Betting Tips - bettingexpert
On 1 March 2025, Saint-Etienne will host Nice at Stade Geoffroy Guichard in what promises to be a crucial Ligue 1 showdown. This match, kicking off at 16:00, holds significant stakes, especially considering Saint-Etienne’s struggles this season. The home side, currently 16th with just 19 points, desperately needs a win to steer clear of relegation danger.
Nice, on the other hand, are flying high in 3rd place with 43 points. They’ve shown impressive form recently, securing a 2-0 victory over Montpellier. This contrast in performances is underlined by Saint-Etienne’s recent defensively weak 3-3 draw with Angers.
Nice has historically dominated this fixture, including an 8-0 thrashing earlier this season. With odds heavily favouring them to win, Nice is the recommended bet at 1.79.
Keep an eye on the referee, Jerome Brisard, as he could play a part in this high-stakes encounter.
Saint-Etienne vs Nice Prediction & Betting Tip
| Saint-Etienne vs Nice Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Nice to win | 1.79 |
- Nice has demonstrated much better form recently compared to Saint-Étienne.
- Saint-Étienne has struggled, collecting only one point in their last four matches.
- Historically, Nice has a winning streak against Saint-Étienne, including an 8-0 thrashing earlier this season.
Nice has been in blistering form and scoring consistently, making them the favourites. Additionally, the home side’s defensive frailties will likely be exploited.
Saint-Etienne vs Nice Odds
| Saint-Etienne vs Nice Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Saint-Etienne | 4.58 |
| Draw | 4.02 |
| Nice | 1.68 |
Nice is heavily favored for this match, with odds of 1.68 indicating high confidence in an away win.
Given Saint-Etienne’s tough season so far and recent struggles, it’s no surprise that the odds for them to win are more lucrative at 4.58. A draw sits at 4.02 for those expecting a closely fought contest.
Saint-Etienne’s defensive weaknesses, paired with Nice’s fantastic form and scoring consistency, further strengthen the likelihood of an away victory.
Saint-Etienne Team Analysis
Saint-Etienne Recent Performance
Recent Form: Saint-Etienne’s last five matches have been challenging, resulting in three losses and two draws. Here’s a closer look:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Saint-Etienne | Angers | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Marseille | Saint-Etienne | 5-1 (Loss) |
| Saint-Etienne | Rennes | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Lille | Saint-Etienne | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Auxerre | Saint-Etienne | 1-1 (Draw) |
Saint-Etienne has averaged 1.20 goals per game over these fixtures but has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches. Their inability to secure wins has left them in 16th position on the table with 19 points, indicating a real need for defensive improvement and more consistent scoring to climb the standings.
Saint-Etienne Key Players
Saint-Etienne has a few standout performers who could be crucial in their match against Nice. Top scorer Zuriko Davitashvili leads the attack with seven goals this season. His ability to find the net will be vital if Saint-Etienne hopes to outscore a strong Nice side.
In midfield, Benjamin Bouchouari and Pierre Ekwah will look to control the game and supply the forwards, while their defense, marshalled by Gautier Larsonneur in goal, will need to tighten up after a string of poor results.
Expected lineup for Saint-Etienne:
- Goalkeeper: Gautier Larsonneur
- Defenders: Yvann Macon, Dylan Batubinsika, Mickael Nade, Leo Petrot
- Midfielders: Benjamin Bouchouari, Pierre Ekwah, Florian Tardieu
- Forwards: Irvin Cardona, Lucas Stassin, Djylian N’Guessan
Individual battles to watch include Davitashvili against Nice’s central defense and Cardona’s pace on the wings versus Jonathan Clauss.
Saint-Etienne Suspensions & Injuries
Saint-Etienne will head into the match against Nice with several key players potentially sidelined due to injuries. This could seriously affect their performance, especially in terms of squad depth and options off the bench. Coach Eirik Horneland will need to make tactical adjustments to compensate for these absences. Here’s a look at the current injury list:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Old | Unknown | Early March 2025 |
| Ibrahima Wadji | Unknown | Mid March 2025 |
| Dennis Appiah | Unknown | Early March 2025 |
| Pierre Cornud | Knock injury | About 1-2 weeks |
The unavailability of these players could disrupt Saint-Etienne’s plans, particularly in defense and attack. With no suspensions to report, their main focus will be on managing the injuries and making the best of their available resources.
Saint-Etienne Tactics and Formation
Saint-Etienne Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Lucas Stassin
- Midfield Trio: Benjamin Bouchouari, Pierre Ekwah, Florian Tardieu
- Defensive Woes: No clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Saint-Etienne often struggles defensively in the latter stages, as evidenced by their recent performances.
Saint-Etienne’s coach, Eirik Horneland, will likely stick to the 4-3-3 formation, aiming to solidify their midfield presence while offering width through their forwards.
Lucas Stassin will be crucial in leading the attack, supported by Irvin Cardona and Djylian N’Guessan on the wings.
A midfield trio of Bouchouari, Ekwah, and Tardieu will focus on controlling the tempo and supplying the forwards with quality passes.
Defensively, they’ll need to tighten up, especially after their recent poor run without a clean sheet.
Nice Team Analysis
Nice Recent Performance
Nice’s recent run of form has been impressive, registering three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. This solid stretch has contributed to their lofty position in the league standings.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nice | Montpellier | 2-0 (Win) |
| Le Havre | Nice | 1-3 (Win) |
| Nice | Lens | 2-0 (Win) |
| Stade Briochin | Nice | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Toulouse | Nice | 1-1 (Draw) |
Nice has averaged 1.80 goals per game while maintaining a commendable defensive record with two clean sheets. This showcase of efficiency on both ends of the pitch underscores their capabilities and current form. The consistency in their recent goal-scoring and defensive solidity will be instrumental as they aim to continue their good run against Saint-Etienne.
Nice Key Players
Expected lineup for Nice:
- Goalkeeper: Marcin Bulka
- Defenders: Moise Bombito, Dante, Youssouf Ndayishimiye
- Midfielders: Jonathan Clauss, Baptiste Santamaria, Hichem Boudaoui, Ali Abdi
- Attackers: Evann Guessand, Mohamed Ali Cho, Gaëtan Laborde
Nice’s key players include top scorer Evann Guessand, who has netted 9 goals this season. His striking abilities will be a critical factor against Saint-Etienne’s defense. Jonathan Clauss, playing in the midfield, has been pivotal with his creativity and assists. On the defensive end, veteran Dante brings valuable experience and leadership, ensuring stability at the back.
Key individual battles will involve Guessand up against Saint-Etienne’s centre-backs Dylan Batubinsika and Mickael Nade, a matchup that could define the game’s flow.
Nice Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Terem Moffi | Cruciate ligament injury | Early April 2025 |
| Morgan Sanson | Ankle injury | Early March 2025 |
Nice are missing two players due to injuries. Terem Moffi’s cruciate ligament injury keeps him out until early April. His absence may lessen Nice’s attacking depth, though they’ve managed well without him.
Morgan Sanson, expected to return in early March, will be missed in the midfield where his experience and creativity could have provided a boost.
No suspensions have been reported for Nice, which means coach Franck Haise has a largely full squad to choose from other than the injured players.
Nice Tactics and Formation
Nice Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-3
- Key Forward: Gaëtan Laborde
- Midfield Strength: Jonathan Clauss and Baptiste Santamaria
- Defensive Solidity: Two clean sheets in the last five games
- Attacking Consistency: Scored in 17 consecutive matches
Nice’s typical formation of 3-4-3 gives them both offensive and defensive balance. With Marcin Bulka in goal, their back three of Moise Bombito, Dante, and Youssouf Ndayishimiye is solid but flexible.
In the midfield, Jonathan Clauss and Ali Abdi provide width, while Baptiste Santamaria and Hichem Boudaoui control the central areas. Upfront, the trio of Evann Guessand, Gaëtan Laborde, and Mohamed Ali Cho ensures they remain dangerous in attack.
Franck Haise will likely depend on their consistent scoring ability to maintain pressure on Saint-Etienne throughout the match.
Saint-Etienne vs Nice Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nice | Saint-Etienne | 8-0 |
| Nice | Saint-Etienne | 4-2 |
| Saint-Etienne | Nice | 0-3 |
| Nice | Saint-Etienne | 0-1 |
| Saint-Etienne | Nice | 1-3 |
Looking at their recent encounters, Nice has dominated the fixtures, winning four of the last five. Their most memorable victory came earlier this season with an 8-0 thrashing. This historical trend points towards another challenging day for Saint-Etienne.
Odds accurate as of 27/02/2025 16:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
