Saint Etienne vs. Auxerre: Preview and betting tips

Sunday’s football will feature a barrage of Ligue 1 matches.Saint Etienne drew 1-1 with Auxerre in the first leg and must win at home. What to expect from the match and what to bet on?

Saint Etienne got into the barrage due to a poor end to the season, taking just two points from the last six rounds. However, Etienne can still be happy for the double against Auxerre, finishing only a point behind the last and penultimate place. But an away draw is definitely not an achievement.

Auxerre are in third place in Ligue 2, just a point behind direct promotion Ajaccio. They reached the barrage after a play-off win over Sochaux, who they beat on penalties after a goalless draw. It also passed its first first league test with Saint Etienne.

Saint Etienne’s long-time mainstay and captain Wahbi Khazri boasts ten accurate shots and one goal assist. Experienced Algerian midfielder Ryad Boudebouz made four saves and assisted five more goals.

The visitors rely on playmaker Gaëtan Charbonnier, author of seventeen goals and seven assists. He gets a lot of help from winger Gauthier Hein, who scored eleven times and assisted on seven goals.

The home side will only be missing experienced central defender Timothee Kolodziejczak and Auxerre should be even.

Etienne have struggled in attack, scoring more than once in only one of their last six games. Auxerre have picked up points mainly at home this season, winning only five of their last ten away from home.

Given Saint Etienne’s experience and home advantage, I think they can win.