This Sunday evening, AS Saint-Étienne faces Olympique de Marseille at 8:45 p.m. in a crucial match for the fight for survival. ASSE should ultimately not be able to count on a centerpiece.
ASSE has conceded a significant number of goals since the start of the season. While they relied on their defense to return to Ligue 1, the Greens have already conceded 30 goals in 13 matches! Only Montpellier does worse in this area.
ASSE struggles in defense
The task therefore promises to be complex against OM who can rely on the second attack in the championship (29 goals scored).
It’s a big challenge that awaits the people of Saint-Etienne and Olivier Dall’Oglio. Not to mention that the Greens coach will once again have to deal without Michaël Nadé, pillar of the rearguard.
Since August, the Stéphanois have struggled to find a defensive balance. However, a certain solidity seemed to have emerged in recent weeks thanks to a well-oiled scheme: a midfield reinforced by Louis Mouton and Benjamin Bouchouari alongside Pierre Ekwah, and a central hinge composed of Dylan Batubinsika and Mickael Nadé. This organization had provided certain guarantees, notably in intensity and tactical discipline.
The Nadé tile
Unfortunately, the derby against Olympique Lyonnais broke this dynamic. Micka Nadé, injured in the final moments of the match, initially sparked fears of serious knee damage. If the examinations have reassured about the nature of his injury, the defender trained at the club is still too weak to return to competition.
Although he resumed racing last week, the tests carried out in recent days finally confirmed his withdrawal for the match against OM.
Olivier Dall'Oglio will therefore have to trust Yunis Abdelhamid, who will have a third consecutive start. Experienced but still in the adaptation phase, Abdelhamid will be expected at the turning point against a formidable Marseille team offensively. This challenge represents an opportunity for the defender to prove his value in a context where every point is crucial for ASSE.
Back in 2025?
For his part, Nadé will continue his rehabilitation with the hope of returning to the field quickly. His participation for the next match against Toulouse remains uncertain.
a package which is added to the absences of Yvann Maçon, Augustine Boakye, and Mathieu Cafaro. While waiting for their returns, the Greens will have to be exemplary if they hope to counter Marseille's attacks and gain vital points in their quest to maintain their position.
