Saint-Etienne Vs Nice

Saint-Etienne will host Nice at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Ligue 1 on Saturday, seeking redemption for the humiliating defeat they suffered in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Back in September, Nice delivered an emphatic 8-0 thrashing to Les Verts, marking one of the most lopsided defeats in Saint-Etienne’s history. The considerable difference in league standings between the two teams suggests that the gap in quality remains evident, making this upcoming clash a challenging encounter for the hosts.

Eirik Horneland’s men are determined to turn the tide and overcome their recent struggles, which have left them deeply entrenched in the battle against relegation. Their current form has been far from impressive, with just a single victory in their last 11 Ligue 1 outings, suffering seven defeats along the way. Even in their latest fixture against Angers, where they mounted a spirited comeback from two goals down to take a 3-2 lead, they were denied a crucial victory by Bamba Dieng’s dramatic equalizer in the 94th minute. That result meant they squandered a golden opportunity to secure three much-needed points in a stretch of winnable games.

Despite the disappointment, there was a small silver lining for Saint-Etienne. The two teams at the bottom of the table both suffered defeats, allowing them to marginally extend the gap from the automatic relegation zone by one point. However, they still find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 16th in the playoff spot, three points away from outright safety. To make matters worse, their goal difference is among the worst in the league, adding another layer of difficulty to their survival hopes.

Following this crucial match against Nice, Saint-Etienne will face the bottom two teams, Le Havre and Montpellier. However, both of those fixtures will be away from home, a concerning prospect given their dismal record on the road. So far this season, they have failed to win a single away game in Ligue 1, further underlining the importance of capitalizing on home fixtures. All five of their league victories have come at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, accounting for a staggering 89% of their total points. With their home form being their only source of optimism, Horneland will be desperate for his team to harness that advantage and produce a performance worthy of three points against an in-form Nice side.

On the other hand, Nice will enter this fixture in high spirits, buoyed by their exceptional form in the league. Their stunning 8-0 victory in the previous meeting not only equaled the head-to-head record between the two clubs at 43 wins apiece but also served as a statement of their superiority this season. With this upcoming fixture marking their 2,400th match in Ligue 1, they will be eager to mark the occasion with another victory and move ahead in their historical rivalry with Saint-Etienne.

Nice’s recent league form has been outstanding, with their results since the start of 2025 ranking among the best in the division. Collecting 19 points from a possible 24, they currently sit level with Paris Saint-Germain, the runaway leaders, for the best points tally during this period. Such consistency has propelled them into serious contention for a Champions League spot, and with momentum firmly on their side, they will view this fixture as another opportunity to consolidate their position in the top three.

While their domestic league form has been commendable, Nice has endured setbacks in cup competitions. Their Coupe de France campaign ended in embarrassment following a shocking elimination at the hands of fourth-tier Stade Briochin, while their Europa League journey was equally underwhelming. Failing to win any of their eight group-stage matches in the continental competition, they bowed out prematurely, raising questions about their ability to perform on multiple fronts. Nevertheless, their league aspirations remain intact, and their response to these setbacks has been remarkable.

Haise’s men have bounced back in style, stringing together three consecutive league victories to reaffirm their credentials as a Champions League-bound side. Their most recent triumph came against Montpellier, a result that helped them solidify their grip on third place. Additionally, Lille’s victory over Monaco further widened the gap between Nice and the chasing pack, giving them added breathing room in their pursuit of European qualification. Another victory in this encounter would mark a significant milestone for Nice, as it would be the first time in over 18 months that they secure back-to-back away wins in the league.

Despite their status as favorites, Nice will be well aware of the threat Saint-Etienne pose at home. The hosts, desperate to escape their precarious position, will throw everything at this fixture, hoping to capitalize on their fortress-like home record. While Nice’s quality and form suggest they have the upper hand, football often delivers surprises, and Saint-Etienne will be determined to defy the odds and rewrite the narrative in front of their passionate supporters. The stage is set for a fascinating clash between a team fighting for survival and another aiming for European glory, with both sides desperate for victory for vastly different reasons.