After a rather uneventful 0-0 draw between AS Saint-Etienne and OGC Nice in a packed Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, Philippe Montanier’s squad is determined to clinch a spot in the top division tonight. They face Les Azuréens in their ‘Grand Stade,’ though the stands will be noticeably empty. The match will be played behind closed doors, a consequence of the disturbances caused by Nice supporters at the end of the 34th Ligue 1 matchday (Nice-Metz, 0-0). While a somber atmosphere is anticipated in the terraces, the pitch promises a vastly different spectacle: a high-octane, intense, and frenetic encounter fitting for the immense stakes of this Ligue 1 playoff return leg.

In a boost for AS Saint-Etienne’s quest for victory against OGC Nice, the coaching staff welcomes back New Zealand international Ben Old, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, and Ghanaian midfielder Augustine Boakye, an undisputed starter for Les Verts. Both players, selected for the upcoming World Cup, are included in Philippe Montanier’s matchday squad. On the opposing side, Claude Puel’s team also sees a significant reinforcement with the return of Elye Wahi, a star player for Les Azuréens.

OGC Nice – AS Saint-Etienne, decisive playoff return leg: kick-off at 8:45 PM