Match Context and Team Form
AS Saint-Etienne, a club with a storied past, is currently grappling with inconsistency in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season. Positioned at 15th in the standings, their recent form has been lackluster, with only one win in their last six matches. Their latest outing resulted in a 1-1 draw against AJ Auxerre, highlighting their struggle to secure victories. With a record of 5 wins, 3 draws, and 11 losses, Saint-Etienne's defensive frailties are evident, having conceded 52 goals in 26 matches. Their offensive efforts, led by Zuriko Davitashvili with 7 goals, have been insufficient to offset their defensive woes. In contrast, Clermont Foot 63, currently 12th in Ligue 2, has shown resilience under coach Laurent Batlles. With 8 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses, their recent form includes a draw against Stade Lavallois FC. Clermont's attacking style, characterized by a high volume of crosses, has seen them average 1 goal per match, with Yaya Diaby leading the charge with 4 goals.
Head-to-Head Dynamics
Historically, AS Saint-Etienne has had the upper hand in encounters with Clermont Foot 63. In their last 13 meetings, Saint-Etienne has emerged victorious 7 times, with Clermont winning only 3. At home, Saint-Etienne has won 3 of the last 6 encounters against Clermont, showcasing a slight edge. The average number of goals in these fixtures is 3, indicating a tendency for high-scoring affairs. Notably, Saint-Etienne has not lost in their last 5 games against Clermont, winning 4 and drawing 1. This psychological advantage could play a crucial role in the upcoming match.
Tactical Analysis and Key Players
Saint-Etienne's tactical setup has been undermined by defensive lapses, conceding in 80.77% of their matches. Their reliance on Davitashvili for goals is evident, but the support from players like Ibrahim Sissoko and Augustine Boakye is crucial. Clermont, on the other hand, employs a strategy focused on wing play and crosses, with players like Mehdi Baaloudj and Maidine Douane contributing to their attacking efforts. However, their defensive vulnerabilities are apparent, having conceded in each of their last 8 matches. This could be exploited by Saint-Etienne's attacking unit.
Prediction and Conclusion
Considering the historical dominance of AS Saint-Etienne over Clermont Foot 63 and their home advantage, a win for Saint-Etienne seems likely. Despite their defensive issues, their ability to score, especially at home, should see them edge out Clermont. However, given both teams' defensive frailties, it's probable that both teams will find the net. Therefore, the prediction is a home win with both teams scoring.
Ligue 2
AS Saint-Etiennevs
Clermont Foot 63
Ligue 2
ESTAC Troyes
Stade Reims
Red Star FC
AS Saint-Etienne
Le Mans FC
USL Dunkerque
Pau FC
EA Guingamp
Montpellier HSC
Clermont Foot 63
Rodez Aveyron Football
Grenoble Foot
Amiens SC
Stade Lavallois MFC
SC Bastia
LaLiga
Premier League
Serie A
Bundesliga
Liga Profesional
Brasileiro Serie A