The AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) is going through a period of increased discipline, with several players receiving warnings following the new regulations in force for the 2025-2026 season. This situation, although manageable in the past, represents a strategic challenge for coach Eirik Horneland. The team is currently the thirteenth least sanctioned in League 2, but the accumulation of yellow cards could lead to suspensions, significantly impacting the race to maintain and qualify for the top table. Horneland’s goal is to reconcile intensity and discipline in order to maintain the team’s competitiveness, a task that is all the more crucial as each absence due to a suspension could affect ASSE’s sporting ambitions.

The next ASSE match, which will host Grenoble, is very much expected, both sporting and attractive. The atmosphere in the Chaurodon stadium is expected to be electric, with a palpable tension among the Stéphanois fans and frustration among the Grenobles fans due to the low number of seats granted to their fans. The ASSE, leader of the championship with a budget and a staff higher than that of Grenoble, tackles this meeting with a position of strength. However, the team must manage the absences and defensive uncertainties, including the injury of Ebenézer Annaan, who leaves a vacuum in the left side post.

Left side post management is a real puzzle for Horneland. Several options are being considered, ranging from the integration of young talents such as Lassana Traoré, through the tenure of Bernauer, a multi-purpose central defender, and the appeal to Ben Old, who is more comfortable on the ground. The final decision, which will be announced on Saturday night, will have a significant impact on the team composition and the ASSE’s overall strategy for this crucial game. Horneland will have to take defensive and offensive issues into account to ensure victory and maintain the leadership position of the ASSE.