Saint-Étienne vs Nice: Tense Playoff Battle Set for First-Leg Showdown

France Ligue 2  -  Saint Etienne VS Nice
Match Time:27-05-2026 02:45 Wednesday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips

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AS Saint-Étienne will host OGC Nice at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in the first leg of the Ligue 1 promotion/relegation playoff final on Tuesday. Saint-Etienne secured their place after beating Rodez on penalties in the semi-final, while Nice enter the tie after struggling to a 16th-place finish in Ligue 1.

Team Analysis:

AS Saint-Étienne are aiming for a quick return to the top flight after finishing third in Ligue 2 and surviving a dramatic penalty shootout against Rodez in the playoff semi-final. Meanwhile, OGC Nice arrive under pressure after a disappointing Ligue 1 season and a Coupe de France final defeat, although they have beaten Saint-Etienne in each of their last five meetings.

Player Situation:

AS Saint-Étienne head into the playoff first leg with several injury concerns after their win over Rodez, although Augustine Boakye is back from suspension and Brice Maubleu could start in goal after his penalty heroics. Meanwhile, OGC Nice will be without suspended striker Elye Wahi and a few injured defenders, leaving Kevin Carlos to lead the attack alongside veteran captain Dante at the back.

Result Prediction:

OGC Nice may struggle to find momentum after their Coupe de France disappointment, especially against a strong home side that has rarely lost this season. Still, Nice's disciplined defensive approach could help them secure a draw against AS Saint-Étienne and gain an edge before the second leg at Allianz Riviera.

Predicted Result: Saint-Etienne 1-1 Nice.