Sports Mole previews Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash between Metz and Lille, including predictions, team news and possible line-ups.
Looking to extend their top-flight winning streak to three matches, Metz will host the continuation of the Champions League Lille at the Stade Saint-Symphorien on Sunday afternoon in Ligue 1.
The Grenats enjoyed a narrow victory at home to Le Havre last time out, while the Dogues suffered an unexpected defeat at Monaco.
Match Preview
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After three consecutive defeats in Ligue 1 between mid-March and early April, Metz have significantly increased their chances of avoiding a return to Ligue 2 in recent weeks, recording back-to-back successes against Lens and more recently against their compatriot. wrestlers from Le Havre.
After a goalless first period between two teams fighting for their lives at the bottom of the standings, the Grenats managed to break through the net of the Le Havre goalkeeper. Arthur Desmas courtesy of the attacker Georges Mikautadzewho scored his 10th goal of the Ligue 1 campaign.
Considering the Georgia international was only loaned out by Dutch giants Ajax during the January transfer window, it’s fair to say the striker will be a major factor if Metz manage to avoid an immediate return to Ligue 2 after finishing second in this league last. season.
Heading into the final four matches of the elite season, Lászlo BoloniThe Lorient men currently sit 15th in the Ligue 1 table, three points ahead of 17th-placed Lorient, but just one ahead of Le Havre in the relegation zone.
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Since their elimination from the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League against Unai EmeryFrom Aston Villa, Lille have picked up three points from two Ligue 1 matches, meaning their Champions League fate is still in their hands heading into the final moments of the campaign.
That being said, Les Dogues’ hopes of competing in next season’s premier UEFA competition suffered a major blow on Wednesday night, when Lille traveled to second-placed Monaco and returned home without any points. Youssouf FofanaIt was the second half winner for the hosts.
After a fifth place last season, Paulo FonsecaThe men of France sit fourth in the Ligue 1 table at the end of the season, one point behind third-placed Brest, who occupy the last of the places that will automatically secure a place in the Champions League stage.
If the Mastiffs fail to secure Champions League football, it will be their dismal away form that will be to blame, with Sunday’s visitors having won three and collecting just 16 points from 15 matches away. They have been away from Ligue 1 so far this season, meaning they rank 13th in terms of points won. on the road.
Metz Ligue 1 form:
Lille Ligue 1 form:
Lille form (all competitions):
Team News
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Metz will be deprived of the services of its attacker Benjamin Tetteh on Sunday, with the former Hull City marksman out until the start of May due to a knock.
The Garnets will also not be able to call on the talents of a former Arsenal youngster Joel Asorowho was injured in the defeat at Monaco last time.
As for visitors to Lille, Samuel Umtiti continues to be a major failure in their defense, with the World Cup winner still recovering from a knee injury suffered in February.
The Mastiffs attacker Andrei Ilic broke his foot in early February and is currently aiming for a brief return to action before the end of the campaign.
Last appearance in early April, Adam Ounas occupies a place at the Lille medical office due to a troublesome calf problem.
Possible starting lineup in Metz:
Oukidja; Colin, Traoré, Sané, Udol; Camara, N’Doram, Atta; Van den Kerkhof, Diallo; Mikautadze
Lille possible starting lineup:
Knight; Santos, Diakité, Ribeiro, Gudmundsson; André, Bouaddi; Yazici, Gomes, Cabella; David
We say: Metz 1-3 Lille
Metz have reached a purple form zone to get out of the drop zone, but we can’t imagine the Garnets making it three wins in a row on Sunday.
Lille have no more distractions in their quest for Champions League football, and we believe Les Dogues will be comfortable winners this weekend.
For data analysis of most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match, please click here.
