24.03. (Sat) 19:00 Montpellier Herault - Saint Etienne

Panoramic

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MONTPELLIER Jourdren Bocaly, Yangambiwa, El-Kaoutari, Bedimo Saihi, Estrada Ait Fana, Belhanda, Utaka Giroud

SAINT-ETIENNE Ruffier  Ebondo, Zouma, Mignot, Ghoulam Guilavogui, Clement Aubemayang, Nicolita, Sako Sinama-Pongolle

Montpellier boss Rene Girard has no major concerns on the injury front, but will have to do without two defenders through suspension. Hilton and Benjamin Stambouli were both sent-off in last week's 1-0 defeat to Nancy, which has left la Paillade further adrift of leaders PSG.
On a positive note however, Jamel Saihi and Joris Marveaux both signed long-term deals at the Stade de la Mosson this weekend, with both set to feature at some point on Saturday.
Saint-Etienne's push for an unlikely Champions League place takes them to Montpellier on Saturday. Should they beat Rene Girard's men, les Verts would only be a point behind Lille in third.
Christophe Galtier has no major injury concerns in his squad at present, with kick-off scheduled at 19.00 CET on Saturday.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Montpellier remain second in the table, despite losing 1-0 to Nancy last weekend. 

• La Paillade have won their previous five home games, without conceding a goal.

• There has not been a first half goal in the last four games Montpellier have contested.

• Saint-Etienne sit sixth with 46 points, four behind Lille in the third and the final Champions League qualification place.

• Les Verts' Pierre Aubameyang has contributed to more than half of his side's goals on the road this season.

• Saint-Etienne drew the reverse fixture earlier this season, with the points shared after a 1-1 draw.

Prediction

A very difficult match to predict, but I think that Rene Girard's men have the ability to beat a tricky opponent in Saint-Etienne. With their fantastic home form, a narrow victory for the hosts looks on the cards.

Editor's Prediction

Montpellier Herault SC 2-1 AS Saint-Etienne