Tie on a knife edge on Sunday night
Saint-Etienne have the chance to save their season on Sunday evening when they take on Auxerre in the second leg of their Ligue 1 relegation play-off.
The first leg at Auxerre finished 1-1, with the Diplomats coming from behind to level the tie and take a foothold to Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Pascal Dupraz’s men could have kicked on and rammed home their advantage, putting together a very promising first half performance on their travels.
Saint-Etienne were not expected to perform this poorly in the French top-flight and have a host of players who would earn moves back to the top division if they suffer relegation.
Background
There is so much on the line for Auxerre having spent so long in exile from the top-flight.
Francis Graille’s men will have taken a lot of confidence from the courage they showed to get back into the game.
However, in terms of individual talent, and players that are capable of making a very significant difference on the big occasion, they come up short.
Denis Bouanga is one of the most potent goal threats in the tie, and will have the security of transfer interest should Auxerre spring an upset, but his ability from wide areas is very different to what Auxerre typically come up against in Ligue 2.
Saint-Etienne are rightful favourites given their performance in the away leg, and the momentum they built by sneaking into the play-off spot on the final day of the season.
Goals?
An outright angle is preferred, an early goal could spark this into life but otherwise a low scoring game feels more likely.
Saint-Etienne have scored in nine of ten.
Saint-Etienne have conceded in all of their last 11.
Saint-Etienne have seen both teams score in nine of ten.
Saint-Etienne have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Auxerre have scored in eight 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 four of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
We take a half loss, Auxerre win on pens.