In-depth Analysis
In terms of head-to-head record, Nice hold a clear advantage after winning all of their last five meetings across all competitions. Notably, it was Nice who knocked St Etienne out of the Coupe de France this season — a tournament in which the Green side reached the final but eventually suffered a 1-3 defeat against their rivals.
Even so, St Etienne enter this match with strong confidence. They are unbeaten in their last two matches, recording one win and one draw after 90 minutes, before defeating Rodez 7-6 in a penalty shootout to secure a Ligue 1 promotion play-off spot. Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium has also become a fortress for the Greens, who have won six of their last eight home games, losing only once and drawing the remaining match.
On the other hand, Nice have not shown particularly stable form recently. Claude Puel’s side have drawn three and lost two of their last five matches. However, their away performances remain fairly impressive, with one win, two draws, and only one defeat in their last four away fixtures.
Although St Etienne possess home advantage and high morale, Nice’s experience — as a team competing in Ligue 1 and recent runners-up in the Coupe de France — could help them secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg.