Metz are the only team in Ligue 1 still searching for their first win of the season as they prepare to take on Le Havre at the Stade Saint-Symphorien on Sunday afternoon. Indeed, the hosts are currently bottom of the table at the time of writing, with just one point earned from their first five games.
Le Havre have not started much better though, with only four points accumulated from the same number of matches as they sit just outside of the relegation zone. Nonetheless, with both sides low in confidence, it will no doubt be interesting to see whether either can gain victory.
Contents
Metz vs Le Havre prediction: Hosts will have to wait longer for victory
Key stats
- Metz have conceded just once in each of their two home games so far.
- Le Havre have list both of their away matches.
- Metz are unbeaten in three H2Hs in all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Metz 1-1 Le Havre
With both teams not in the best of form and low in confidence, we are not expecting too much goalmouth action. Le Havre's 100% losing record away from home so far should encourage Metz that they can get a positive result in front of their home support.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Close one to call
- HOME: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 13/8 (2.63) – 38.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, the bookmakers are finding it a tough game to call. Metz are slight favourites to claim their first win of the season, but only by 0.4%, while a draw can also be backed at over 30%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page, as well as our Ligue 1 predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Metz hold upper hand
As mentioned previously, Metz are unbeaten in the last three H2Hs in total across all competitions. Le Havre did win three of the previous four before them, but the hosts hold an upper hand in terms of most recent meetings.
France Ligue 1 21/04/24
Le Havre
Metz
France Ligue 1 29/10/23
Metz
Le Havre
France Ligue 2 13/03/23
Metz
Le Havre
France Ligue 2 24/10/22
Le Havre
Metz
France Ligue 2 04/03/19
Le Havre
Metz
Metz preview: Sane still suspended
Sadibou Sane is still serving a suspension, and so will be unavailable. Malick Mbaye is also injured for Metz.
Predicted lineup: Fischer (GK); Colin, Gbamin, Yegbe; Kouao, Stambouli, Deminguet, Tsitaishvili; Hein, Sabaly & Diallo
Last five results:
- Monaco 5-2 Metz
- Metz 1-1 Angers
- Paris FC 3-2 Metz
- Lyon 3-0 Metz
- Metz 0-1 Strasbourg
Le Havre preview: Double injury blow
Le Havre will again be without the services of both Yanis Zoaoui and Andy Logbo due to injury. However, the visitors have reported no fresh concerns in their squad.
Predicted lineup: Diaw (GK); Nego, Sangante, Lloris, Delaine; Seko, Toure; Doucoure, Kechta, Soumare & Pizarro
Last five results:
- Le Havre 1-1 Lorient
- Strasbourg 1-0 Le Havre
- Le Havre 3-1 Nice
- Le Havre 1-2 Lens
- Monaco 3-1 Le Havre
Player to watch: Gauthier Hein
If Metz are to win their first game of the season, they may have to rely on Gauthier Hein. Indeed, he has scored once and recorded a further two assists in his last three appearances, and so will be a player Le Havre will have to tightly mark.