Rodez (home)
- Rodez are unbeaten in their last 5 matches (W2, D3) and have won their last two home games.
- Rodez Aveyron (6th, 52pts) will be looking to exceed expectations when they host AS St. Etienne (3rd, 57pts) in an important Ligue 2 game on Saturday.
- This matchup features two very different teams; Rodez are pragmatic and compact, St. Etienne are open, fast and pressing.
- Didier Santini instills discipline in his Rodez men, who play with a back five and look to block up the entire pitch before transitioning quickly with wing-backs.
St. Etienne (away)
- St. Etienne are without a win in their last 2 road games (D1, L1) and have won just 7 of their 16 Ligue 2 away games this term.
- St. Etienne have been playing a high-intensity 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system since Philippe Montanier took over in February.
- St. Etienne score an average of 1.19 goals per away game in Ligue 2 this season, showing their intent to attack on the road.
Head-to-Head
- St. Etienne dominated the last meeting in this fixture, winning 4-0 at home in Ligue 2 eight months ago.
- Rodez have had St. Etienne’s number in recent years with 2 wins, 1 defeat and 2 draws from the last 5 meetings.
- Rodez are unbeaten in their last 2 at home to Saturday’s visitors (W1, D1) and will be buoyed by back-to-back home wins over Troyes and Amiens.
Key Players
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Key performers to watch:
- Tairyk Arconte - 13 goals in 30 Ligue 2 appearances this season and has contributed 4 of Rodez’s last 7 goals.
- Zuriko Davitashvili - has the same return in 28 games for St. Etienne.
Betting Insights
- A matchup of styles should make for an exciting game at Stade Paul Vidal on Saturday, and the 1.49 about over 2.5 goals is fair given both Rodez and St. Etienne are looking to punch above their weight.
- With both sides looking to make a mark, I think BTTS - Yes is the way to go at 1.46.
Prediction
I will chance a home win for Rodez at 3.3 as Rodez are in good form at the moment and St. Etienne have struggled on the road of late.
