since part of our rotation is based off of ' lock and lock ' and barrage is often saved , would it just be more logical to use volley instead since it procs on autoattacks ? <| sep |> St Etienne v Mainz 05 Europa LeagueSt Etienne have named a strong squad for the game as no automatic starters are missing . Striker Beric , winger Hamouma and midfielder Lemoine are out but their absences weaken the bench rather than the starting lineup . They can field a strong side and are expected to do so as they look to seal their place in the knockout phase . They need to win to be sure of landing a place in the knockout stage . A draw would keep them in a commanding position going into the final round of matches but they ' ll want to get the job done so will be 100 % motivated to claim all 3 points . All four of their matches in the group phase have been extremely close , however , with hardly anything to pick between the sides in this pool . For that reason , another close game is likely here , with St Etienne expecting to have periods in this match where the capable visitors put them under severe pressure . A draw would leave them in a strong position as they ' d be 3 points above Mainz with only one match left . Mainz come into this match after a very important win over Freiburg in the Bundesliga . That stopped a mediocre run of results and should be a confidenceboost . For this match , Serdar , Clemens , Latza and Berggreen remain out but are not key absences . Coach Schmidt is expected to rotate as he has done until now , but that shouldn ' t be a worry given the solid alternatives . Mainz will travel to France hoping for a victory . The situation in the standings warrants an attacking approach from them as anything but a win could see them knocked out of the competition . Mainz have played fairly offensive football so far this season , and that shouldn ' t change on Thursday night . They ' ve had no problems scoring goals until now , and that will keep them confident . They will have a slight underdog role here and that could make them fairly dangerous . They ' ve played some good football in most matches this season and will be confident of competing against just about anyone . The mood in the camp is excellent for St Etienne . They have acquitted themselves well in the competition , although their 10 home defeat to Ligue 1 leaders Nice last weekend may have dented their confidence a little , but I am sure that they will be 100 % motivated to win as a victory would seal their place in the knockout phase . Back the home team here ! Prediction St Etienne 0 . 00 AH same as Draw No BetOdds 1 . 73 SBOBET