Saint-Étienne eye early gap against Montpellier as Geoffroy-Guichard sells out | OneFootball

Saint-Étienne host Montpellier on Saturday aiming to confirm their strong Ligue 2 start, with victory set to open a seven-point gap.

After two home dates without ultras due to suspension, the first sell-out of the season brings the noise back to Geoffroy-Guichard at 20:00. L'Équipe notes that around 39,000 are expected.

Since early August they have scored 13 in four and even bristled at late concessions at home, such as leading Clermont 3-1 on 14 August. They turned it around at Dijon on Monday, winning 3-2 in their first real scare of the campaign. As last season, they now look on a promotion trajectory after an opening run then of five wins and two draws.

Caution remains. Grenoble coach Olivier Frapolli, beaten 0-4 in the Forez on 22 August, felt their main adversary could be themselves, while Montpellier hold a physical advantage after not playing since last Friday.

This side appears better balanced, with stronger collective cover and a very direct streak. Irvin Cardona and Thierno Ballo have four goals each. Playmaker Jakob Breum is recovering from a muscle injury sustained on 22 August and, if included, is unlikely to start.

Ian Cathro said Breum’s condition is being monitored and the group only needed to reheat their energy, adding that nobody could claim a lack of rest at kick-off. Zouriko Davitachvili has stayed and assumed the creative reins, praised by his manager. The broader plan is framed as a long-term push to reconnect ambition with the club’s history and region.

Source: L'Équipe

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