Friday’s Ligue 1 showdown between Auxerre and Saint-Etienne promises high stakes, with both teams fighting to reverse their recent struggles. This Auxerre vs Saint-Etienne prediction analyzes their form, suspensions, and tactical setups to forecast how this relegation-battle thriller might unfold.
Match Overview
Date & Time: Friday, January 24, 2025 | 19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET
Venue: Stade de l’Abbé Deschamps, Auxerre
How to Watch:
- UK: Ligue 1 Pass (online)
- US: beIN Sports (TV & streaming)
Auxerre (11th, 22 points) and Saint-Etienne (16th, 17 points) were both promoted from Ligue 2 last season, but their trajectories have diverged. Auxerre’s early-season European hopes have crumbled amid a seven-game winless streak, while Saint-Etienne’s leaky defense keeps them entrenched in the relegation zone.
Team News & Lineups
Auxerre Team News
- Suspended: Gabriel Osho (CB)
- Injured: Jubal (adductor), Nathan Buayi-Kiala (ACL), Lasso Coulibaly
- Predicted XI (5-4-1): Leon; Hoever, Diomande, Agouzoul, Akpa, Mensah; Perrin, Owusu, Massengo, Traore; Sinayoko
Auxerre’s defensive crisis deepens with Osho’s suspension and Jubal’s injury, leaving them vulnerable at the back.
Saint-Etienne Team News
- Suspended: Benjamin Bouchouari, Louis Mouton, Ibrahim Sissoko
- Injured: Ben Old (long-term), Yvann Macon, Aïmen Moueffek
- Predicted XI (4-3-3): Larsonneur; Appiah, Batubinsika, Nade, Petrot; Cafaro, Fomba, Diousse; N’Guessan, Stassin, Davitashvili
Saint-Etienne’s midfield will miss key creators, but teenage debutant Djylian N’Guessan could inject energy.
Tactical Analysis
Auxerre’s Struggles
Once a surprise top-half contender, Auxerre have collapsed defensively, conceding 14 goals in their last six league games. Their attack has also misfired, failing to score in three of their last four home matches.
Saint-Etienne’s Resilience
Under new manager Eirik Horneland, Saint-Etienne have shown glimpses of improvement, holding PSG to a narrow 2-1 defeat and battling Nantes to a draw. However, their away form remains dire: eight losses in nine road trips, conceding 29 goals.
Key Stats
- Auxerre’s Home Record: 5 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss this season.
- Saint-Etienne’s Away Woes: 0 wins, 1 draw, 8 defeats; 3.2 goals conceded per game.
- H2H History: Auxerre unbeaten in their last eight home games against Saint-Etienne (5 wins, 3 draws).
Auxerre vs Saint-Etienne Prediction
This clash pits Auxerre’s fading momentum against Saint-Etienne’s desperation to escape the drop. While Auxerre’s defensive absences are concerning, Saint-Etienne’s road frailty and missing midfielders tilt the balance toward a low-scoring stalemate.
Prediction: Auxerre 1-1 Saint-Etienne
Betting Tips:
- Under 2.5 Goals (Odds: 1.71) – Both teams lack firepower, with Auxerre scoring once in their last four home games.
- Both Teams to Score – Yes (Odds: 1.67) – Saint-Etienne’s attack has netted in three straight games.
