Saint-Etienne vs Auxerre: prediction for the Ligue 1 match
On May 29, the Saints will take on the White-Blues for the second play-off leg. Who will prevail in this battle? The answer is in our prediction.

Command Analysis

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne failed to gain consistency in the current season. Team was unable to achieve success in the French Cup. After a victory in the first round the Greens got eliminated by Bergerac (0:1).
In 38 rounds of Ligue 1 Pascal Dupraz' men have recorded seven victories and 11 draws, delivering 32 points and an 18th spot in the standings. Team put up a disastrous defensive performance, conceding 77 goals in the season. In the last match of Ligue 1 season the Saints drew to Nantes (1:1). Neyou Noupa andKolodziejczak are sidelined for the upcoming match.

Auxerre

Auxerre got relegated from Ligue 1 for the first time in their history in 2012, being the last team, which has never been relegated from top division of French football before. Four-time holder of the French Cup and a 1995-96 Ligue 1 champion secured 21 victories and 11 draws in the current Ligue 2 season, delivering 74 points and a 3rd spot in the standings.
Team put up a decent offensive record with 61 goals. In the first stage of the playoffs Jean-Marc Furlan's men managed to beat Sochaux (1:0). Pellenard will have to miss the upcoming match.
Trends
СтавкаCorners: total over 9.5
This bet played in 3 of 5 latest matches of Auxerre

СтавкаCorrect score 1:1
All six latest head-to-head matches ended in draws

СтавкаA draw in one of the halves - yes
This bet played in 4 of 5 latest matches of the hosts

Tip and bets
In the first match opponents created a bunch of goal opportunities and we are expecting more of the same here. Clubs are worthy of each other, so after the first game they are on level terms. Hosts will probably have a slight edge due to fans' support, but Auxerre are in a great form and should be able to put up a good fight. Nonetheless, we are expecting a cautious performance on defense from both sides, because any mistake can ruin the chances for a Ligue 1 spot.
Our prediction - total under 2,5 goals
We think that opponents are evenly matched, so we can't rule out a draw here. Both clubs will try to at least avoid a defeat, so game may go to extra-time. The winner will probably be decided in extra-time or in the penalty shoot-out.
Our second bet is on a draw