The two sides are determined to build on the impressive start to the season and prove their top 5 credentials, with the clash at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard a highly anticipated affair.

After missing out on Champions League qualification, Saint Etienne quickly picked up where they left off, winning four of first six league matches, albeit losing 5-0 to holders Paris Saint-Germain.

Les Verts squeezed into the Europa League group stages, defeating Karabukspor on penalties, before producing a very poor performance in the goalless draw with Qarabag.

However, having entered the new season with a virtually unchanged squad, Christophe Galtier’s side were able to hit the ground running early on and they now have a chance to catch leaders Marseille at the top of the standings.

And having won five of last six home games in all competitions, les Verts are 2.15 (23/20) to defeat Bordeaux on Thursday.

The club management have done a great piece of business by tying down keeper Stephane Ruffier to a new long-term deal and he remains a very important player for the side.

There are no fresh selection worries for coach Christophe Galtier, but Romain Hamouma, Loic Perrin, Kevin Theophile Catherine and Benjamin Corgnet remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Ruffier – Clerc, Sall, Pogba, Tabanou – Diomande, Lemoine – Gradel, Cohade, Mollo – Erding.

Willy Sagnol returns to his boyhood club as Bordeaux coach, hoping to lead his side to a new victory that would see them cement the place in the top 3.

The talented coach has done brilliantly since arriving at Stade Chaban-Delmas, and he can only hope his team’s rich vein of form will continue.

Following the opening three wins, Bordeaux shared spoils with Bastia before losing to Guingamp, but they did well to return to winning ways against Evian at the weekend.

Les Girondins now hope for another positive result and they can be backed at 4.00 (3/1) to claim maximum points against Saint Etienne.

Even if Bordeaux will be playing Rennes some 60 hours after this clash, coach Willy Sagnol has suggested he would field his strongest side.

Captain Lamine Sane is doubtful through a knee problem, but Nicolas Maurice-Belay should be in contention. Henri Saivet and Jussie are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Carrasso – Mariano, Sane, Pallois, Contento – Plasil, Sertic – Rolan, Khazri, Maurice-Belay – Diabate.