Metz Aims to Upset Lille in Ligue 1 Clash
As the Ligue 1 season reaches its climax, struggling Metz will host Champions League-chasing Lille in a crucial clash at the Stade Saint-Symphorien on Sunday. The hosts will be looking to extend their recent winning run and boost their chances of avoiding relegation, while the visitors aim to solidify their position in the top four.
Metz have managed to turn their fortunes around in recent weeks, securing back-to-back victories over Lens and Le Havre. Striker Georges Mikautadze, who joined on loan from Ajax in January, has been a key figure in their resurgence, netting 10 league goals so far this campaign. With three points separating them from the relegation playoff zone, Metz will be desperate to pick up another crucial win at home.
On the other hand, Lille’s hopes of securing Champions League football next season took a hit after their unexpected defeat to Monaco in their previous outing. Paulo Fonseca’s side currently sit fourth in the Ligue 1 table, one point behind third-placed Brest, and will be eager to bounce back and strengthen their position in the top four. However, their away form has been a concern, with just 16 points collected from 15 matches on the road this season.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Metz will be without the services of striker Benjamin Tetteh, who is sidelined until early May with an injury. They will also miss the availability of former Arsenal youngster Joel Asoro, who picked up a knock in the loss to Monaco.
For the visitors, World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti continues to be a major absentee in Lille’s backline as he recovers from a knee injury. Striker Andrej Ilic and winger Adam Ounas are also on the injury list for Les Dogues.
Metz Possible Starting Lineup: Oukidja; Colin, Traore, Sane, Udol; Camara, N’Doram, Atta; Van den Kerkhof, Diallo; Mikautadze
Lille Possible Starting Lineup: Chevalier; Santos, Diakite, Ribeiro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Bouaddi; Yazici, Gomes, Cabella; David
Prediction
Metz have shown resilience in recent weeks, but Lille’s quality and the need for Champions League football should prove too much for the hosts. We predict a 3-1 victory for Lille, as they look to bounce back from their unexpected defeat against Monaco and keep their top-four ambitions on track.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams desperate to secure a crucial result for their respective targets this season. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle, with the quality of Lille’s attacking options likely to be the difference-maker in the end.