Nice vs. Saint-Etienne: Ligue 1 Live Match Preview, livescore, predictions, predicted lineup, betting tips, odds and live stream
Match Predictions, Live stream links, predicted lineup and betting tips for the Ligue 1 fixture between Nice vs. Saint-Etienne including kick-off time and team news
Live stream Nice vs. Saint-Etienne
Click on any stream link below to watch the game.
Stream Links |
Ads |
Quality |
Language |
2 |
HD Adaptive |
English |
|
2 |
HD |
English |
Buoyed by their first victory of the season against Lille , Saint-Etienne travel to the Allianz Riviera to face Nice in matchday five of the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season on Friday. The hosts currently sit in 12th place with four points, while Saint-Etienne , freshly promoted, are 16th after a slow start but now find some momentum after their win.
Nice, under the new leadership of Franck Haise, have had an inconsistent start to the season. Following a strong opening stretch last year that saw them sit second by mid-season , the Eaglets dropped form drastically, ultimately finishing fifth. Haise replaced former manager Francesco Farioli and has had a mixed start, with just one win and a draw from their first four games.
Although Nice lost 3-1 to Marseille in their last outing, they were the dominant team in possession and chances created. Haise will be looking for his side to convert that performance into points when they host Saint-Etienne, especially with the return of suspended defender Moise Bombito.
After winning promotion back to Ligue 1 under Olivier Dall'Oglio , Saint-Etienne struggled initially with three straight defeats. However, a 1-0 win against Lille, courtesy of an early goal from Mathieu Cafaro, lifted their spirits and gave them their first points of the campaign.
Dall'Oglio’s side will now look to build on this victory, though they face a tough task against a Nice side that has historically been difficult to beat at the Allianz Riviera. Saint-Etienne will need to focus on defensive solidity while trying to exploit Nice’s vulnerabilities on the break.
Key Players
- Evann Guessand
Guessand, thrust into the starting role due to long-term injuries to forwards Gaetan Laborde and Terem Moffi, has a chance to shine. Known for his raw pace, work rate, and ability to press high up the pitch, Guessand offers a dynamic threat in the final third . Though not yet the finished article, his energy can unsettle defenses, and his movement off the ball is essential in stretching the opposition. In the absence of key attackers, Nice will rely on his direct running and physicality to open up spaces for his teammates.
- Jeremie Boga
A talented winger with flair, Jeremie Boga is crucial to Nice’s attack. His dribbling ability is a major asset, allowing him to glide past defenders and create chances from wide areas. Boga also has a keen eye for goal and can contribute not only with assists but also by cutting inside to score himself. His creativity will be key for Nice as they look to break down a resolute Saint-Etienne defense, and his partnership with Guessand up front could prove decisive.
- Mathis Amougou
The 22-year-old midfielder has quickly become a central figure for Saint-Etienne . Mathis Amougou offers high-energy pressing and tenacity in midfield, breaking up opposition play and providing defensive cover. However, his box-to-box nature also makes him a threat going forward. He has the ability to drive the ball through midfield, link up play, and create overloads in attacking transitions. Against a possession-heavy team like Nice, Amougou's ability to cover ground and disrupt the opposition will be pivotal.
- Mathieu Cafaro
Saint-Etienne’s goal-scoring hero against Lille, Mathieu Cafaro is another key figure for the Greens. His pace and directness on the wings make him a dangerous outlet in wide areas. With a strong delivery from crosses and set-pieces , Cafaro can provide service to the lone striker while also being a scoring threat himself. His ability to find space behind defenses will be important as Saint-Etienne look to hit Nice on the counter. Cafaro’s creativity and finishing make him Saint-Etienne’s most dangerous player going forward.
Team News
Nice are dealing with several injury absences , notably Gaetan Laborde (foot), Hicham Boudaoui (knee), and Morgan Sanson (ankle). Star striker Terem Moffi is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, meaning the bulk of the attacking responsibility falls on Evann Guessand. Moise Bombito returns from suspension and will slot back into the defense.
The visitors are also missing several players. Anthony Briancon , Augustine Boakye, Ibrahima Wadji, and Mahmoud Bentayg are expected to return later in the month, while Thomas Monconduit and Yvann Macon remain long-term absentees. Benjamin Bouchouari could make his season debut off the bench after being included as a substitute in the last match.
Possible lineup:
Franck Haise , the nice manager, will likely go with the 3-4-3 formation with Bulka in goal. A defensive backline of Ndayishimiye, Bombito, and Dante. Clauss, Rosario, Ndombele, and Bard in the midfield area with Cho, Guessand, and Boga upfront in attack.
Oliver Dall'Oglio , the Saint-Etienne manager, will likely go with the 4-1-4-1 formation with Larsonneur in goal. A defensive backline of Appiah, Batubinsika, Abdelhamid, and Cornud. Moueffek will be in the defensive midfield with Davitashvili, Ekwah, Amougou, and Cafaro in the central and attacking midfield. Stassin will be upfront as the main striker.
Prediction
Nice have had a shaky start to the season but should be able to take all three points at home against a Saint-Etienne side still finding their feet in Ligue 1 . Guessand and Boga are likely to be too much for a depleted Saint-Etienne defense , while the visitors may struggle to create chances against a well-organized Nice backline.