Saint-Étienne faces a must-win match in Nice tonight as they aim to secure promotion to Ligue 1. After a goalless draw in the first leg, the Verts must now find the breakthrough in the Côte d’Azur to advance.

Injuries and last-minute returns

Montanier’s squad is far from complete ahead of this high-stakes clash. Mahmoud Jaber, Paul Eymard, and Chico Lamba remain sidelined until next season, while Nadir El Jamali continues his recovery from a knee injury and won’t feature tonight.

The absence of Djylian N’Guessan—already missing in the first leg—adds to the defensive reshuffle. On a brighter note, Florian Tardieu, back after nearly three months out, could make his final appearance in green before a potential summer departure. Meanwhile, Ben Old, who missed the first leg, is now fit and set to return, though his inclusion may depend on his upcoming international duty.

Defensive adjustments and lineup shifts

Gautier Larsonneur delivered another clean sheet against Nice, and the goalkeeper will hope to replicate that form in the return fixture. The defense, already solid, now faces the return of Elye Wahi from suspension, adding extra firepower to OGC Nice’s attack.

Philippe Montanier is expected to stick with the Le Cardinal – Bernauer defensive pairing. The real question lies in the full-back positions: with Ben Old fit again, the coach may deploy him on the left flank, pushing Kevin Pédro to the opposite side. This shift comes after Joao Ferreira filled in during the first leg, following Appiah’s muscular discomfort.

Midfield dynamics and creative hub

Luan Gadegbeku and Abdoulaye Kanté are set to continue their partnership in the heart of the pitch, aiming for a fourth consecutive match together. Augustine Boakye, returning from suspension in the first leg, will likely take on the playmaker role before joining the Ghanaian national team.

The attack’s hunt for goals

Saint-Étienne’s striking department has struggled to break down defenses in recent weeks. Irvin Cardona—once a match-winner—has found himself in a confidence slump, and his performance tonight could be pivotal in lifting the pressure off his shoulders and securing promotion. On the opposite wing, Zuriko Davitashvili has lacked spontaneity but remains a player capable of turning the tide in an instant. Up front, Lucas Stassin is expected to lead the line, tasked with exploiting any gaps in Nice’s backline.

The stakes couldn’t be higher: this is the final eleven of the season, and their sole mission is to guide Les Verts back to Ligue 1.