The Saint-Etienne vs Reims clash in Ligue 1 promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams look to secure vital points. Saint-Etienne, struggling after their promotion, face a mid-table Reims side eager to climb higher. With both teams battling injuries and suspensions, this match could be a turning point in their seasons.
Saint-Etienne Preview: Battling Relegation
Saint-Etienne’s return to Ligue 1 has been far from smooth. Sitting in the relegation playoff spot, they’ve shown flashes of competitiveness but often falter defensively. Their recent form is concerning, with a 2-1 loss to Toulouse and a crushing 4-0 defeat to Marseille in the Coupe de France.
Under Olivier Dall’Oglio, Saint-Etienne have adopted a defensive approach, but their inability to hold leads has cost them dearly. With key players suspended and several injury doubts, their task against Reims becomes even tougher.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Larsonneur; Batubinsika, Fomba, Petrot; Appiah, Bouchouari, Ekwah, Mouton, Cornud; Davitashvili, Stassin
Unavailable: Abdelhamid (Suspended), Sissoko (Suspended)
Questionable: Nade, Boakye, Briancon, Monconduit, Macon, Moueffek, Old (All Injured)
👥 Les 20 Verts convoqués par Eirik Horneland pour #ASSESDR !
— AS Saint-Étienne (@ASSEofficiel) January 3, 2025
Des retours, et une première, celle de Djylian N’Guessan (16 ans) ! 👊💚 pic.twitter.com/JkuLKSy0FK
Reims Preview: Seeking Consistency
Reims, under Slovenian coach Luka Elsner, have been the definition of mid-table consistency this season. With five wins, five draws, and five losses, they sit comfortably but will aim for a higher finish. However, their recent form has been shaky, with just one win in their last eight matches.
Despite their struggles, Reims have the quality to trouble Saint-Etienne. Their balanced squad, led by players like Munetsi and Diakite, will look to exploit Saint-Etienne’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Diouf; Buta, Agbadou, Kipre, Sergio Akieme; Kone, Atangana; Ito, Munetsi, Nakamura; Diakite
Unavailable: Khadra (Injured), Daramy (Injured)
Questionable: Okumu (Injured), Busi (Injured), Kone (Injured)
📊 #ASSESDR I @OptaJean
— Stade de Reims (@StadeDeReims) January 3, 2025
📌 Les joueurs de Reims sont les seuls à afficher au moins 50% de dribbles réussis en Ligue 1 cette saison.
👀 𝘓'𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵-𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘴 👉 https://t.co/VmTSOFnhbG pic.twitter.com/kOejoCVSxC
Saint-Etienne vs Reims: Key Match Insights
Tactical Battle
Saint-Etienne’s defensive setup will clash with Reims’ more proactive style. While Saint-Etienne will aim to stay compact and hit on the counter, Reims will dominate possession and look to create chances through their midfield.
Injury Concerns
Both teams face significant injury issues. Saint-Etienne’s suspensions and defensive absences could prove costly, while Reims’ midfield and defense are also weakened.
Saint-Etienne vs Reims Prediction
This match is likely to be a tight affair. Saint-Etienne’s defensive approach may keep them in the game, but Reims’ superior quality should shine through. Expect a low-scoring match with Reims edging out a narrow victory.
Prediction: Reims to win & under 3.5 goals
