Nice vs Saint Etienne 29 May 2026 Prediction

The first match between Nice and Saint-Etienne (0-0) is one French soccer fans would probably like to forget quickly. The teams did not record a single shot on target, and with a combined expected goals total of just 0.35 xG, the game became the lowest-quality Ligue 1 or Ligue 2 match by that metric since 2022. However, the second leg should bring goals, especially given the number of factors pointing in that direction.

Nice Has an Ace up Its Sleeve

After a demanding cup final, Nice could not show its best soccer. Nice’s players were affected not only by fatigue, but also by nerves. Club president Jean-Pierre Rivere did not hide that in his post-match comments:

“I did not recognize the players. Why was it so difficult to create chances? Because of the pressure. The players were very timid. We kept passing backward and did not take the initiative. But we will do everything possible to play better in the second match,” Jean-Pierre Rivere said.

Nice may have lacked attacking sharpness because center forward Elye Wahi was suspended. In only half a season, Wahi became the team’s second-leading scorer with five goals, so his return should make the hosts much more dangerous in attack. The absences of starting central midfielder Hicham Boudaoui and left back Ali Abdi could be an issue, but Puel has solid options in both positions.

Because of crowd trouble caused by Nice fans in Matchday 34 of Ligue 1, this game will be played behind closed doors. However, Nice players have admitted that it may be easier to play without hearing abuse from their own supporters. The teams also met in similar conditions in December in the cup, when the hosts won 2-1.

The Break Did Not Help Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne had 11 days to prepare for the playoff tie. Still, even that was not enough to draw the right conclusions from a very poor game against Rodez (0-0, 7-6 on penalties). Philippe Montanier did not look for excuses either, noting the team’s problems with creating scoring chances despite its strong physical condition.

It will not be easy for the visitors to score at the Allianz Riviera. Left back Ben Old is questionable, and he is important not only defensively, but also in supporting attacks. It is also unclear what condition Irvin Cardona, the team’s third-leading scorer, will be in for the second leg. He was substituted in the first match because of cramps, and Saint-Etienne does not have many equal alternatives to replace him.

Nice vs Saint-Etienne Predicted Lineup

Nice (4-2-3-1): Diouf – Clauss, Mendy, Oppong, Bard – Vanhoutte, Sanson – Cho, Diop, Jansson – Wahi

Will not play: Bombito, Everton (both injured), Abdelmonem (national team), Ndombele, Boudaoui, Abdi (all doubtful)

Manager: Claude Puel

Saint-Etienne (4-2-3-1): Larsonneur – Pedro, Le Cardinal, Bernauer, Appiah – Moueffek, Kante – Duffus, Boakye, Davitashvili – Stassin

Will not play: El-Jamali, Lamba, Eymard, Jaber (all injured), Cardona, Old (both doubtful)

Manager: Philippe Montanier

Referee: Ruddy Buquet

The 49-year-old referee has been one of the more lenient officials in Ligue 1. Buquet has shown at least four yellow cards in only 6 of his 17 league matches. Considering that the first meeting produced just one card with the stricter Benoit Bastien in charge, we do not expect many bookings in the second leg either.

Nice vs Saint-Etienne Prediction: Nice to Win at 2.00

• Main prediction: Both teams played poorly in the first leg, but Nice has a better chance to respond. Puel’s team will not face pressure from either its own fans or away supporters, which should help it focus on the game. Wahi’s return is another positive, and Nice has also been perfect from the penalty spot in the cup, winning two shootouts. Still, as the Ligue 1 side, the hosts will want to settle the tie inside 90 minutes. Saint-Etienne has not won an away game this spring, and the Greens have lost 6 of their last 8 head-to-head matches at the Allianz Riviera. Given their squad issues and attacking problems, it is unlikely that the visitors will break that negative trend. The recommended pick is Nice to win at 2.00. For those looking for a higher-risk option, correct score 2-1 at 9.00 is worth considering.
• Goals prediction: It is unlikely that viewers will see another goalless game. Since April, Nice has scored in every match that did not end 0-0, and Wahi’s return increases its chances of finding the net. At the same time, Nice has kept a home clean sheet this spring only against Metz (0-0), while Saint-Etienne has scored in four of its last five matches at the Allianz Riviera. That makes both teams to score — yes at 1.90 a recommended option.