Saint-Étienne vs Nice Prediction: Best Bet, Preview and Match Odds

Saint-Étienne and Nice face each other this Monday, May 26, in the first leg of the Ligue 1 playoff final, with kickoff scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Brasília time at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne, France. The match carries major importance for both clubs, as Saint-Étienne seeks to capitalize on home advantage in its fight for promotion, while Nice arrives under pressure after a poor run of results and concern over relegation.

The two teams have a long history, having met 127 times. Saint-Étienne holds a slight edge overall with 49 wins, compared to 48 for Nice, plus 30 draws. However, the recent trend favors Nice, which has won the last five direct meetings, including a striking 8-0 victory in 2024. Even so, Saint-Étienne’s home record against this opponent is strong: in 67 matches played at home, the club has won 38 and lost only 15.

Saint-Étienne reached the playoff final after an inconsistent run of form. In its most recent match, the team drew 0-0 with Rodez in the semifinal and advanced only after winning on penalties. Over its last 21 games, Saint-Étienne recorded nine wins, seven losses, and five draws. The club finished third in Ligue 2 in the 2025-26 season with 60 points from 34 matches, including 18 wins, six draws, and 10 defeats. It scored 59 goals and conceded 38 during the campaign.

The likely Saint-Étienne lineup features Larsonneur in goal; K. Pedro, J. Le Cardinal, M. Bernauer, and B. Old in defense; Luan Gadegbeku and A. Kanté in midfield; and an attacking line made up of Irvin Cardona, J. Duffus, Z. Davitashvili, and Lucas Stassin.

Nice, meanwhile, enters the clash in a difficult stretch. The club has not won in its last five French league matches, drawing four and losing one, and also lost the French Cup final to Lens. In Ligue 1, Nice managed only seven wins in 34 matches, alongside 11 draws and 16 defeats. Its away form has been especially troubling, with 11 losses in 17 road games. The team is now under real pressure in its battle to avoid relegation.

Nice’s probable lineup includes Maxime Dupé; Antoine Mendy, Dante, Kojo Peprah Oppong, and Jonathan Clauss; Djibril Coulibaly, Hicham Boudaoui, and Melvin Bard; Mohamed-Ali Cho, Elye Wahi, and Sofiane Diop.

Among the key individual names, Nice forward Elye Wahi stands out with five goals in Ligue 1. Still, the balance of form and home advantage points slightly toward Saint-Étienne. The main prediction is Saint-Étienne or draw, with a draw no bet option also favoring the home side. One suggested market is Saint-Étienne to win the corner count.

The match will be shown live on Cazé TV on YouTube, with no scheduled television broadcast.