Ligue 1 | Gameweek 25

Mar 9, 2025 at 4.15pm UK

Stade Oceane

Le Havre vs St Etienne

Match preview

Didier Digard's Le Havre went on a six-match losing streak between December and mid-January, but have since drawn two, won two and lost three to show a marked improvement.

Most recently, Le Club Doyen recorded a remarkable 4-3 win over ninth-placed Lens, and the fight they showed in coming from behind to claim all three points in stoppage time will give them confidence going into the relegation battle.

The win lifted Digard's side up to 16th in the standings, just two points behind Reims, who are the only side safe from the drop.

However, they will be desperate to at least avoid defeat as they sit just one point above their opponents, although the hosts are on a seven-game losing streak at the Stade Oceane and will need to break a run of defeats dating back to November if they are to make any headway in their fight for survival.

Victory on Sunday could take Le Havre four points clear of automatic relegation and out of the drop zone altogether, depending on results elsewhere, and given their improved form, it could inspire them to move towards the middle of the table in the near future.

Meanwhile, Eirik Horneland's St Etienne had failed to win any of their eight games prior to this weekend's clash, and with just one win in all competitions since November, their confidence will be low.

Last time out, Les Verts were thrashed 3-1 at home by Nice, the fourth time in five games that they have conceded three or more goals.

That defeat was undoubtedly a symptom of their consistently porous defence and allowed Le Havre to leapfrog them in the standings, leaving them in the automatic relegation zone with just 19 points.

To make matters worse, the visitors are still searching for their first away win of the campaign, and their record of 10 defeats and just two draws from 12 Ligue 1 games away from home this season suggests that they are in danger of dropping a crucial three points against their closest rivals.

An unlikely triumph on Sunday could see St Etienne move level on points with Reims and two points clear of Le Havre, and could provide the promoted side with the inspiration they need to maintain their top-flight status.

Recent Performance

Le Havre Ligue 1 form:LDWLLW

Saint-Etienne Ligue 1 form:DLLLDL

Team News

Le Havre should have striker Andy Logbo back in contention after more than two months out with a shoulder injury, although Ahmed Hassan and Andre Ayew are likely to start up front this weekend.

In midfield, Daler Kuzyaev will once again miss out, so expect Mahamadou Diawara and Abdoulaye Toure to start in the middle of the park.

Elsewhere, centre-back Arouna Sangante is reportedly struggling with a muscle injury and may not be available, so look for Etienne Youte Kinkoue and Gautier Lloris to start in front of goalkeeper Mathieu Gorgelin.

As for St Etienne, centre-back Dylan Batubinsika is serving a suspension for accumulating yellow cards, so Horneland could turn to Maxime Bernauer and Mickael Nade at the heart of his defence.

Striker Ibrahima Wadji could be available this weekend, but Lucas Stassin is more likely to start while Wadji builds up his fitness.

Elsewhere, left-sided midfielder Benjamin Old is continuing his recovery from a long-term knee injury and could be back in action by the end of the month if all goes well.

Possible starting lineup

Le Havre possible starting lineup:

Gorgelin; Nego, Kinkoue, Lloris, Ballo-Toure; Casimir, Diawara, Toure, Soumare; Hassan, Ayew

Saint-Etienne possible starting lineup:

Larsonneur; Appiah, Bernauer, Nade, Petrot; Tardieu, Bouchouari; Cardona, Mouffek, Davitashvili; Stassin