Auxerre and AS Saint-Étienne clash this Friday evening, January 24, 2025, at the Stade de l’Abbé Deschamps, with both teams desperate for points as they navigate the dangerous waters of Ligue 1 relegation. With only five points separating them, the match promises to be more than just a regular fixture; it’s about survival.
Entering this pivotal 19th matchday, Auxerre stands at the 11th position with 22 points, having experienced struggles of late, recording no wins since November. Their lack of form is evident, with two defeats against Strasbourg and Angers and only one point gained from their last three matches. The Auxerrois have also failed to capitalize at home, managing just one draw against Lille, which has raised concerns among fans and management alike.
On the other hand, AS Saint-Étienne finds itself bordering the relegation zone, positioned 16th with 17 points. The situation for the Verts is equally precarious, necessitating at least one point to lift them out of the relegation zone. Despite their worries, Saint-Étienne has shown signs of improvement under new coach Eirik Horneland. Since his arrival, the team has ventured through ups and downs, resulting in four points from their last three outings.
The match is set to commence at 20:45 and will be broadcast live on DAZN, which continues to provide comprehensive coverage of Ligue 1 matches. Football enthusiasts tuning in are eager to witness how these two struggling clubs approach the match.
From the Auxerre camp, players like Hamed Traoré will be pivotal. Traoré recently netted the opener during their last encounter and hopes to find the back of the net again to secure victory. Conversely, for Saint-Étienne, Augustine Boakye and his dynamic play up front will need to rise to the occasion. If they can replicate their coordination and intensity seen against Reims, they could well turn the tide.
Both teams have been under intense scrutiny for their recent performances. Auxerre has been especially desperate to end their six-match winless run, marked by three draws and three defeats. This dismal stretch has led to increased pressure, not only from fans but also from management. Meanwhile, Saint-Étienne has only tasted victory twice away from home this season, which challenges their confidence heading onto the pitch.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for either club. A win for Auxerre could see them momentarily rise to the 10th position, bolstering their bid for safety. Conversely, for Saint-Étienne, anything less than three points means they risk falling back toward the bottom of the table, adding to their relegation woes.
A head-to-head history reveals the intensity of their rivalry, with previous contests showing Auxerre slightly edging out Saint-Étienne with 18 victories compared to 15 losses and 16 draws. This matchup adds another layer of intrigue as they prepare to write another chapter of their storied encounters.
With the pressure mounting, both teams are expected to field strong lineups. For Auxerre, Leon is likely to start at goalkeeper, backed by Mensah, Diomandé, Jubal, and Akpa. Midfield will likely feature Perrin, Owusu, and Massengo, with Sinayoko anticipated to lead the attack. Saint-Étienne's lineup is set to see Larsonneur holding down the fort between the posts, assisted by Appiah and Batubinsika at defense, complemented by Ekwah and Fomba orchestrading the midfield along with Boakye and Davitashvili aiming to unhinge the Auxerre defense.
Both factions have support systems and strategies to rally and it is clear the clash is not just about points, but pride. Football fans can expect thrilling moments as Auxerre and Saint-Étienne battle not only for the three important points, but also to reclaim lost confidence and secure their place in Ligue 1.
Finally, as the match nears, both squads will be acutely aware of the importance of this fixture. Will Auxerre finally break their losing streak, or will Saint-Étienne manage to earn those precious points to avoid falling back under pressure? With both sides eager to stake their claim, this matchup is set to be one for the books.