



Round 19 of Ligue 1 kicks off on January 24 with a clash between Auxerre and Saint-Étienne. Can we expect a high-scoring game from these newcomers? Here’s my prediction for this match.
Auxerre
Auxerre's season has been relatively decent so far, as the team sits in 11th place in the standings. They have a five-point cushion above the relegation zone, which is crucial for a newly promoted club aiming to secure their place in the top division.
In their most recent match, Auxerre suffered a 0:2 away loss to direct rival Angers. The game was heavily influenced by an early red card to Oussoh in the 22nd minute, leaving his teammates with an uphill battle. Auxerre is currently experiencing a slump, with their winless streak extending to six matches, during which they’ve managed only three points. While they still have a bit of breathing room, this form could lead them into a relegation fight if it continues.
Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne is in a tough spot, occupying 16th place, which puts them in the relegation playoff zone. The battle for survival is tight, as two teams above them are only ahead on goal difference.
In their last outing, Saint-Étienne managed a 1:1 home draw against direct rival Nantes, salvaging a point with a late equalizer. Their form is also concerning, with four losses in their last six league games and just one win. Offensive struggles are evident, with only 17 goals scored in 18 matches—better than just one other team in Ligue 1.
Probable Lineups
- Auxerre: Leon, Mensah, Akpa, Onaiwu, Diomande, Gouffre, Traore, Massengo, Owusu, Perrin, Sinayoko.
- Saint-Étienne: Larsonneur, Appiah, Batubinsika, Nadé, Petro, Fomba, Bouchouari, Mouton, Nguessan, Stassin, Davitashvili.
Match Facts
- Auxerre is strong at home, with just one loss, five wins, and three draws.
- Saint-Étienne struggles on the road, with no wins, one draw, and eight losses.
- The odds for this game: Auxerre win (P1) – 2.01, Draw (X) – 3.65, Saint-Étienne win (P2) – 3.75.
Head-to-Head
In the first-round encounter, Saint-Étienne secured a 3:1 home victory, with Georgian forward Zuriko Davitashvili netting a hat-trick.
Prediction
The hosts are slight favorites in this matchup, but a fierce battle is expected between two motivated sides. Both teams have struggled for results recently, and this should drive their hunger for a win. I anticipate an open and high-scoring game, so my recommendation is to bet on over 2.5 total goals.