Toulouse vs Saint-Etienne preview - Les Verts seek end to winless run

St Etienne defender Francois Clerc is determined to claim the bragging rights over former club Toulouse and end his current employers' six-game Ligue 1 run without a win.

The former Toulouse star has admitted St Etienne must break their "negative series" at his old club on Saturday, heading into the fixture buoyed by a 2-2 draw with Marseille.

"I think the draw against Marseille is a little re-boot for us," said Clerc.

"We are still in a somewhat negative series when it comes to victories.

"They are a team struggling in the standings and playing for survival.

"It is close to the end of the championship though, and teams that want to stay in the league now often raise their game so there is absolutely no guarantee of success."

Clerc has warned St Etienne his former club and team-mates will not simply roll over: even though Toulouse have won just two in their last 10 matches, they are unbeaten in four at home.

"Toulouse will be keen to put in a big showing and fight to continue their good run of home games," said Clerc.

"They have a habit of winning games at home, so this will be anything but easy.

"It will be a big physical battle, and we have to get the edge straight away to gain the momentum.

"This would be the ideal time to get back to winning ways though, and we know we've got a chance.

"It's time for us to get a win now, and that's what we're fully aiming towards."