This prediction market topic focuses on the Ligue 2 football match between Stade de Reims and AS Saint-Étienne, scheduled for January 24 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. The 'More Markets' designation indicates that beyond the standard match outcome market, specialized betting markets are available for this specific fixture. These could include markets on exact scorelines, total goals, first goalscorer, halftime/fulltime results, player-specific events like shots on target or cards, and various in-play propositions. The match represents a significant encounter in France's second-tier professional football league, featuring two historically prominent clubs with substantial fan bases and competitive ambitions. Interest in these markets stems from both clubs' current positions in the 2023-2024 Ligue 2 season, their historical rivalry, and the financial implications of promotion. Saint-Étienne, a record ten-time French champion, is fighting for an immediate return to Ligue 1 after relegation in 2022, while Reims, a club with a strong history including six French titles, aims to consolidate its position and challenge for promotion. The timing in late January places this match during a critical phase of the season where table positions begin to solidify, making each point valuable. Prediction markets allow participants to leverage their knowledge of team form, tactical setups, and player availability to speculate on these specific match events.

Historical Context

The historical context of this fixture is defined by the stature of both clubs in French football. AS Saint-Étienne, founded in 1919, is one of France's most decorated clubs, having won a record ten Ligue 1 titles, most recently in 1981, and six Coupe de France trophies. Their relegation to Ligue 2 in 2022 after 18 consecutive top-flight seasons was a seismic event. Stade de Reims, founded in 1911, is also a historic powerhouse, winning six Ligue 1 titles between 1949 and 1962 and reaching the European Cup final in 1956 and 1959. While their golden era was earlier, they have re-established themselves as a stable Ligue 1 side in recent years before their own relegation in 2016 and subsequent return. The two clubs have met 78 times in competitive history since their first encounter in 1945, with Saint-Étienne holding a slight edge in wins. Their most recent meetings in Ligue 1 during the 2021-2022 season saw Saint-Étienne win 3-1 at home and the match in Reims end in a 1-1 draw. This Ligue 2 encounter in January 2024 is their first meeting in the second division since the 1966-1967 season, adding a layer of historical novelty and significance to the clash.

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