ASSE will play its first match of 2025 this Saturday afternoon. The Greens welcome Reims at 5 p.m. in a Cauldron deprived of its two Kops. This will be the opportunity for Eirik Horneland to make his debut on the Saint-Etienne bench. But with which eleven? Here is the probable composition.
Saint-Étienne remains on four consecutive defeats and has not taken points in Ligue 1 since November 23 (1-0 against Montpellier). A dynamic that must be reversed quickly to avoid falling into the red zone. Currently play-offs, the Greens are only one point ahead of Le Havre.
Many returns for ASSE
ASSE saw its infirmary empty when training resumed last Sunday. Thomas Monconduit is still not available. The midfielder who passed through Lorient trains with the group but must avoid skipping steps. Ben Old and Yvann Maçon continue their treatment for knee injuries. Ibrahima Wadji is also unavailable.
Ibrahim Sissoko is suspended for five games, while Yunis Abdelhamid received a one-match suspension and will miss the reunion with his former club. Mathis Amougou, affected in Toulouse three weeks ago, was uncertain. His coach announced his withdrawal yesterday at a press conference. Aïmen Moueffek is back after a month without playing.
Mickaël Nadé, absent since November 10, returns to the group. After several weeks of absence, Augustine Boakye could also return to the field. Benjamin Bouchouari, injured during the last match, is available. Léo Pétrot and Pierre Cornud, who were withdrawn from Marseille 15 days ago, are also back.
A defense to consolidate
If Gautier Larsonneur did not play the Cup match against Marseille, he should find his place in goal this Saturday. The former Brest goalkeeper had left his place to Brice Maubleu for this meeting. Barring any surprises, he will be lined up for the 16th time in as many championship days.
Eirik Horneland should opt for a four-man defense with Dennis Appiah and Léo Pétrot as full-backs. The latter is returning from an injury contracted three weeks ago and missed the Coupe de France match.
In the central hinge, the Norwegian coach could rely on the return of Mickaël Nadé. The defender trained at the club, replaced by Yunis Abdelhamid during his absence, should find his place due to the Moroccan’s suspension. Nadé will probably be partnered with Dylan Batubinsika.
A reinforced environment
For this meeting, Eirik Horneland will be able to count on several returns to midfield. Pierre Ekwah, never injured, should once again be lined up in a sentry role. The midfielder on loan from Sunderland seems well established in the eleven.
Ahead of him, Aïmen Moueffek should find a starting place after a month of absence. He should be preferred to Louis Mouton, and take advantage of the absence of Mathis Amougou, still suffering from his calf injury. Benjamin Bouchouari should complete the midfielder alongside his Moroccan compatriot.
The ASSE offensive trio in search of confidence
In their last four matches, the Greens have only scored one goal. Lucas Stassin, author of this goal in Toulouse (2-1 defeat), should be started at the forefront. He took advantage of the five-match suspension of his main competitor, Ibrahim Sissoko. The Belgian striker has a great opportunity to convince his new coach.
To support Stassin, Eirik Horneland could bring in two other summer recruits. On the right, Augustine Boakye, back after several weeks of absence, should start. On the left, Zuriko Davitashvili could make a 16th start in Ligue 1 this season. However, Saint-Etienne’s top scorer has not scored since October 26.
