Football Season Guide

Saint-Etienne are back in Ligue 1 after a couple of seasons away after claiming promotion via the playoffs last term. Olivier Dall’Oglio’s side finished the season in strong form and then had too much for Metz in the post-season, deservedly coming through that test after blowing the chance of automatic promotion by failing to win any of their last three regular season games. The challenge for Saint-Etienne will be remaining in the league with a team that has not been significantly strengthened from the one that won promotion. That said, they have managed to retain many of their key players, although the loss of Irvin Cardona, who had an inspirational loan spell, will certainly be a heavy blow. The other notable player to depart is Dylan Chambost, but he should be seen as someone who is replaceable. Coming into the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard club has been the experienced centre-back Yunis Abdelhamid. His job will be to add stability and knowhow in the defence, where there are doubts over several players as to whether they can make the step up. Even Anthony Briancon, the captain last season, has doubts hanging over him. The same goes for full-backs Yvann Macon and Dennis Appiah, with this area lacking in depth. The midfield also looks light in Ligue 1 quality. There will be a focus on Benjamin Bouchouari and Aimen Moueffek to step their games up. A pleasant surprise, too, is needed out wide. There is a dearth of obvious quality in this area, with the arrival of Ben Old from the A-League and Zuriko Davitashvili from Bordeaux hardly the most exciting of signings. And upfront there are also questions as to whether Ibrahim Sissoko, so prolific last season, and Ibrahima Wadji, who spent last term injured in the main, can deliver.