Saint-Étienne
- Gautier Larsonneur can provide a foundation of security in goal for Saint-Étienne on Friday.
- Ian Cathro has been pushing a possession-first identity that should see quicker circulation, more aggressive counter-pressing and a more fluid link between midfield and attack.
Clermont
- Clermont are more likely to be closer to game ready than AS St. Etienne for Friday's Ligue 2 2026-2027 opener at Stade Geoffroy Guichard because the visitors have played a game of their own pre-season schedule.
- David Guion is setting up his team to play in a more compact manner, sitting in a midblock and looking to get forwards quickly when gaps appear.
-
Recent pre-season results for Clermont:
- Beat US Orléans 1-0.
- Held Bourges to a 0-0 draw.
- Drew 1-1 against Quevilly-Rouen.
Head-to-Head
- Saint-Étienne won four of the last six competitive meetings between the sides (D1, L1).
- Clermont lost 1-2 at home on 13 September 2025 and 0-1 here on 17 January 2026.
Key Players
- Johan Gastien remains Clermont's metronome in the center of the park.
- Famara Diédhiou can be a potent goal threat with a physical presence and set-piece ability.
- Lucas Stassin is Saint-Étienne's most reliable finisher.
- Augustine Boakye provides creativity for Saint-Étienne.
- Jakob Breum adds a fresh No.10 spark.
Betting Insights
- The odds favour the hosts with home 1.62 and away 5.1.
- A tie bet is available at 4.1.
- Over 2.5 goals is listed at 1.7.
- Both teams to score is available at 1.73.
Prediction
The home side look the likelier winners this Friday.
