Caen vs Saint-Etienne preview - Galtier expecting tough Caen clash

St Etienne boss Christophe Galtier is expecting a tough test when he takes his high-flying team to resurgent Caen on Sunday afternoon.

Caen may be sat in the Ligue 1 relegation zone but they have won their last two matches in convincing fashion, registering 4-1 wins against both Reims and Rennes as they try to pull themselves away from danger.

ASSE are 19 points and 14 places above their hosts in a European spot but Galtier is well aware of the threat they pose and has called for maximum effort from is troops.

"Caen is a very lively team that scores a lot of goals," he told the club's official website. "They have the fourth best attack in the league and have won their last two matches.

"Games against promoted teams are always difficult and obviously we will have to defend well but our main objective will be to compete well in the hope of winning."

St Etienne are without a win in their last two league games and lead in-form Monaco by just one point in the race for the Europa League but Galtier has urged his players to thrive off the challenge.

"At some point, it is the players on the field who need to take charge and seize the opportunities that arise," he said.

"Playing is to take responsibility. My players should not be tense because of the results or the situation. If they are, they are at the wrong club."

Caen could hand a debut to forward Emiliano Sala who has joined the club on a six-month loan from Bordeaux.

The Argentine 24-year-old has been a regular goalscorer in Ligue 2 for the past two seasons and is eager to make an impact at the Stade Michel d'Ornano.

"I need to play and my ambition is clear," he said. "Help Caen to stay in Ligue 1 by registering many goals."