The AS Saint-Étienne is currently in a difficult position within the struggle for qualifying places for relegation dams, with a widening gap with its direct competitors. The imminent meeting against the Stade Brestois, ambitious in terms of a possible European qualification, is therefore crucial for the Greens, a victory now imperative. The context is all the more tense as Reims’ defeat at Lens, combined with the unsatisfactory performance of the Sangs and Gold against the ASSE last week, gives the Remois a six-point advantage.

Eirik Horneland’s team faces several challenges related to the fitness of its players. Several elements are uncertain due to recent injuries and bruises suffered during the Lens match, including Pierre Cornud, Florian Tardieu, Pierre Ekwah and Léo Pérot. Although Augustine Boakye was a package for the rest of the season, the technical staff convened the same group as the previous week, allowing tactical adjustments to be made to compensate for the absences and optimize the composition of the team. Changes are planned at the lateral level, with Dennis Appiah replacing Léo Pérot, and Yvann Mason evolving on the left side.

The likely composition of the ASSE reveals a desire for stability in the defensive sector, with Gautier Larsonneur confirmed in the goals and Maxime Bernauer and Mickaël Nadé aligned in central defence. In the middle of the field, Pierre Ekwah should hold his place despite the pain felt, while Aïmen Moueffek could replace Florian Tardieu. The attack, which was not successful in the last game, will have to be more effective, with Irvin Cardona, with the possibility to redeem itself against his former club, and Lucas Stassin in point. The team will have to find the solution to revive its offensive sector and close the gap with its competitors.