Saint-Étienne to host Dunkerque with stronger squad in Ligue 2 | OneFootball

Saint-Étienne host Dunkerque on Saturday at 20:00 with Maxime Bernauer and Mahmoud Jaber available, and captain Gautier Larsonneur set to start in goal as they continue their promotion push. Five matches remain, three at home, including leaders Troyes on 25 April, as they look to protect second place.

According to L'Équipe, the south lower stand, home to the Green Angels, will be closed after a suspended sanction was revoked following incidents against Laval, yet about 28,000 supporters are expected at Geoffroy-Guichard. Les Verts drew 1-1 at Nancy last time out.

Head coach Philippe Montanier has greater competition again with Bernauer back in the frame. He said the defender had a heavy workload since last Sunday, gained minutes with the reserves, was rested on Thursday, and, after a planned recovery session for him and Djylian N’Guessan, is available.

Jaber is also in contention. In goal, Larsonneur, on the bench at Marcel-Picot, will start. Montanier explained that Maubleu featured at Nancy to maintain momentum, Larsonneur was not yet at 100 per cent, his captaincy matters around the game, and there was an 80 per cent chance he would have come on if needed. He prefers Larsonneur’s experience.

Nadir El Jamali and Florian Tardieu are ruled out, with El Jamali recently undergoing knee surgery and due to see his surgeon soon. Joao Ferreira has resumed full contact training, and the treatment room is beginning to clear.

Saint-Étienne are unbeaten in eight matches, including six wins, and hold a one-point lead over Le Mans in third. Montanier praised his players’ commitment, warned that a deeper group brings more disappointment, and stressed that those featuring less must stay engaged and be ready, highlighting Maubleu and Dennis Appiah.

Source: L'Équipe