Auxerre to start strong in promotion bid
Auxerre have a chance to return to Ligue 1 for the first time since 2011/12 when they take on Saint-Etienne over two legs in the play-off final.
Saint-Etienne crept up into the relegation play-off spot in the French top-flight with a 1-1 draw at Nantes on the final day, condemning Metz to 19th place and certain relegation.
The Greens have been on a steady decline for some years now, but have a chance to save themselves in this two-legged affair.
Auxerre have some impressive history of their own in the French top-flight, winning the Ligue 1 title in 1995/196.
There have been some very tough times in the second tier for Auxerre and at times they looked far more likely to drop to the third tier, than battle their way back into contention to return to Ligue 1.
There is certainly some momentum with the visitors, having saved themselves from a seemingly perilous position heading into the final round of fixtures.
Background
Another club with a rich history in Ligue 1, Nantes, finished in the relegation play-off spot last season, managed to keep themselves in the top-flight, and they have bounced terrifically in 2021/22, demonstrating what can be done by Saint-Etienne.
Nantes won the Coupe De France this season, securing European football as a result, and they finished in ninth, a very encouraging achievement considering their struggles last term.
Auxerre were the second top scorers in Ligue 2 this season and they have a range of goal threats.
Gaetan Charbonnier has been a breath of fresh air at the club this term, chipping in with 24 goal contributions and at 33, his experience could be crucial with so much on the line.
In Denis Bouanga and Wahbi Khazri, Saint-Etienne have the attacking talent to capitalise on their get out of jail free card, but the hosts will be determined to stamp their authority on the tie on their home patch in the first leg.
Goals?
Given Auxerre’s impressive attack and neither side being particularly solid over the course of the season, a goals angle is preferred in this match.
Auxerre have scored in nine of ten.
Auxerre have conceded in seven of ten.
Auxerre have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
Auxerre have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Saint-Etienne have scored in nine of ten.
Saint-Etienne have conceded in ten of ten.
Saint-Etienne have seen both teams score in nine of ten.
Saint-Etienne have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-1, winner.