The end of the year was eventful for ASSE. Indeed, the team concluded the year 2024 with another heavy 4-0 defeat against OM in the Coupe de France. With a record of 16 official matches played for four victories, one draw and eleven defeats, ASSE will have had a difficult first few months in League 1.
Eirik Horneland came to replace Olivier Dall'Oglio who was dismissed after the match against Toulouse (2-1 defeat). Validated during the preparation week against Marseille, the new Saint-Etienne coach watched the match from the stands since Laurent Huard was in charge of this meeting.
Ibrahim Sissoko (ASSE) is expensive
Ibrahim Sissoko was sent off during the last meeting against OM. After a bad move on Leonardo Balerdi, the Stéphanois received a seven-match suspension, including two reprieves. With the absence of Ibrahim Wadji, only Lucas Stassin remains as a true center forward for the winning team.
The Belgian striker, bought at a high price this summer, finally launched his season by scoring his first goal in his new colors against Toulouse. A trigger that comes at the best time for the Belgian international hopeful who will have to take advantage of the absence of the Malian international to definitively establish himself as a starter in this team.
A situation which necessarily limits the choices for the new coach Horneland who will have to find solutions to an attack in great difficulty since the start of the season.
A surprise guest?
The Norwegian coach will be able to count on the return of Augustin Boakye. Indeed, the Ghanaian had been injured before the match against Rennes and had therefore missed the end-of-year 2024 matches.
Ayman Aiki has received playing time in recent games. He took advantage of the numerous absences. However, a new face could have its debut within the group this weekend. This is Djylian Nguessan.
The ASSE serial scorer has been training since the restart with the professional group. He appears to be a priority solution compared to Jibril Othman (although brilliant during summer preparation) and Enzo Mayilla (injured). Freshly professional after signing his first contract at just 16 years old, the French U17 international appears to be the second real option behind Lucas Stassin for this weekend given the numerous absences. Although Aiki has been repositioned as a center forward for a few reserve games, he has been used as a winger.
Djylian Nguessan, this player born in 2008 could be one of the earliest players to wear the ASSE jersey if he is present in the group this weekend. This possibility really exists. Nguessan, Eirik Horneland's first big choice?
