Saint-Etienne and Marseille will lock horns again this month, this time in the round of 64 of the Coupe de France, as both teams aim to close out 2024 on a high. Marseille, buoyed by a 2-0 win over Saint-Etienne earlier in December, will be keen to replicate their success when they visit Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Sunday.
Match Preview
Saint-Etienne’s Struggles Continue
Les Verts enter this fixture in dire form, having lost three consecutive Ligue 1 games and sitting third-bottom in the table. Despite a change in management following Olivier Dall’Oglio’s departure, interim boss Laurent Huard faces an uphill battle against a superior Marseille side.
Saint-Etienne will hope the Coupe de France provides a distraction from their league struggles. However, their poor record against Marseille — three straight defeats, including this month’s loss — leaves much to be desired.
Marseille Eyeing a Strong Cup Run
Marseille, under Roberto De Zerbi, are in good form, unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions. Although their 1-1 draw with Lille last weekend was a slight setback, the Olympians have been consistent and currently sit second in Ligue 1.
With no European commitments this season, De Zerbi’s side is focused on a deep cup run. Having been eliminated on penalties in the last two seasons, Marseille will aim to avoid a similar fate and assert dominance against a struggling Saint-Etienne.
Team News
Saint-Etienne
Interim coach Huard will be without several key players, including Thomas Monconduit, Anthony Briancon, Mickael Nade, and Augustine Boakye due to injuries. Leading scorer Zuriko Davitashvili, who has five Ligue 1 goals, will be key, although he hasn’t scored since October.
Probable Starting XI:
Larsonneur; Appiah, Batubinsika, Abdelhamid, Petrot, Cornud; Bouchouari, Ekwah, Mouton; Davitashvili, Stassin
Marseille
Marseille also have injury concerns, with Elye Wahi, Valentin Carboni, Faris Moumbagna, Ulisses Garcia, and Ruben Blanco sidelined. Mason Greenwood, with 10 goals this season, will lead the attack after scoring in their last meeting with Saint-Etienne.
Probable Starting XI:
De Lange; Murillo, Balerdi, Kondogbia; Henrique, Hojbjerg, Rongier, Merlin; Greenwood, Maupay, Rabiot
Key Stats
- Marseille have won their last three encounters with Saint-Etienne, including a 2-0 victory earlier this month.
- Saint-Etienne have lost 10 of their Ligue 1 games this season, highlighting their struggles.
- Marseille have been eliminated on penalties in consecutive Coupe de France seasons but will aim to avoid the same outcome this time.
- Mason Greenwood has two goals in his last three games and 10 for the season.
Player to Watch
Mason Greenwood: The English forward has been in fine form, scoring crucial goals for Marseille. His ability to deliver in key moments makes him the player to watch against Saint-Etienne.
Saint Etienne vs Marseille Prediction
Saint-Etienne 0-3 Marseille
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