Saint Etienne produced quite a coup by beating Bordeaux at Stade Chaban-Delmas in their opening game, with les Verts now looking to build on that result when they host Nancy. ASNL somehow managed to avoid defeat to champions Lille, but unless they show a massive improvement in this match, they will return home empty handed.

Impressive win over Bordeaux

Saint Etienne have been doing pretty well ever since talented manager Christophe Galtier took over the reigns, and les Verts have big ambitions this season. Having shown some very promising displays last term, Saint Etienne entered the new season with somewhat changed squad but with the same ambitions. Key players Matuidi, Riviere and Payet all left this summer, but the club management added a lot of quality players to the squad, with Alonso, Sinama Pongolle, Paulao, Ruffier, Clement and Mignot all arriving toStade Geoffroy-Guichard. As a result, les Verts managed to bring all three points from a very difficult away game against Bordeaux, thus keeping the spirits high following some very good performances in pre-season. They are now set to host struggling Nancy, and with Steed Malbranque and Loic Perrin set to feature after missing the Bordeaux match, les Verts will be even stronger than in their opening game.

Captain Loic Perrin is set to return after serving a suspension against Bordeaux, while new signing Malbranque is also expected to start. Fabien Lemoine serves the final game of his two-match ban, while Paulao, Yoric Ravet and Albin Ebondo are all sidelined.

Nancy set for a difficult season

Nancy had been involved in the relegation struggle throughout the last season and they only managed to avoid the drop after winning their final three games of the league campaign. The team now look set for another relegation dogfight, although, this time, the outcome could be slightly different. After taking this team as far as he could, talented coach Pablo Correa decided to leave what now looks like a sinking ship, with Jean Fernandez brought to replace him. Nancy not only stayed without the Uruguayan coach, but they also lost key players Julien Feret and Landry N’Guemo, as well as squad players Gennaro Bracigliano, Benjamin Gavanon, Alfred N’Diaye and Marama Vahirua. The club failed to bring proper replacements for the absentees, which is why I really don’t think they can survive this season. Nancy were very lucky to avoid defeat at home to champions Lille, as les Dogues enjoyed lion’s share of possession (72%) and completely outplayed their hosts, but it is highly unlikely ASNL will be able to do the same in Saint Etienne.

Pascal Berenguer is suspended following the red card against Lille, while Alo’o Efoulou, Calve and Cuvillier could return into contention.

Verdict

Even without two important players, Saint Etienne managed to win in Bordeaux, hinting that this could be their season. With Malbranque and Perrin in the side, les Verts look like the hot favourites to win this game, especially if we take into account Nancy’s poor form. Clear home win for me.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 2.10 (11/10)

Bookmaker: Stan James