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In a crucial Ligue 1 relegation six-pointer, Metz welcome Nantes to the Stade Saint-Symphorien on Sunday.
Les Grenats are rooted to the bottom of the table with just 14 points and are increasingly looking destined for a return to the second tier.
Nantes are not in a comfortable position either, sitting just one place above Metz with 17 points, albeit having played a game less.
Read our Metz vs Nantes prediction, preview and betting tips. You can also check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Contents
Metz vs Nantes key stats
- Metz are winless in their last 12 matches.
- Eight of Nantes's last 10 matches have produced fewer than 11 corners.
- Five of the last six meetings between the two sides have produced fewer than five cards.
Metz vs Nantes preview:
| Metz | vs | Nantes |
|---|---|---|
| 18th | Position | 17th |
| 14 | Points | 17 |
| 25 | Goals For | 24 |
| 60 | Goals Against | 45 |
| 5 | Clean Sheets | 4 |
| 18th | Home Rank | 17th |
| 18th | Away Rank | 15th |
Metz have endured a difficult campaign in the top flight and have been poor both at home and away this season.
Benoit Tavenot’s side have not registered a league win since their 2-1 victory over Nice in November, with that winless run now stretching to 15 matches.
Metz are undefeated against Nantes in their previous four meetings.
They did manage to halt a five-game losing streak with a 0-0 draw against Rennes before the international break, but draws alone will not be enough to secure survival, especially with home games becoming increasingly crucial.
Metz also possess the worst defensive record in the league, having conceded 60 goals, although they can draw some confidence from winning their last three meetings against Nantes.
Ismael Guerti and Benjamin Stambouli are sidelined through injury, while Alpha Toure will serve a one-match suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Nantes face a real battle to preserve their Ligue 1 status and could close the gap to Auxerre to just two points with a crucial away victory here.
Nantes have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three meetings against Metz
Having lost 17 of their 26 league matches this season, confidence is understandably low, but Vahid Halilhodzic, who recently replaced Ahmed Kantari, will be tasked with steering the club to safety.
Nantes have managed just one win in their last nine Ligue 1 outings and come into this clash on the back of three consecutive defeats, including a 3-2 loss to Strasbourg in Halilhodzic’s first game in charge.
Dehmaine Tabibou is expected to miss out with a calf problem, while Fabien Centonze and Francis Coquelin could return from their respective injuries.
Metz vs Nantes form guide & betting tips
| Metz | vs | Nantes |
|---|---|---|
| L-L-L-L-D | League Form | L-W-L-L-L |
| 1 | Points | 3 |
| 18th | Form Table | 14th |
| 3 | Goals For | 5 |
| 11 | Goals Against | 8 |
| L-L-L-L-D | Form (all comps) | L-W-L-L-L |
Whispers Predicts: Metz 1-0 Nantes
With both sides desperate for points, this fixture presents Metz with a rare opportunity to secure a much-needed victory, particularly given their favourable recent record against Nantes.
They are unbeaten in their last four meetings, winning three of them, and are priced at 2.8 to come out on top.
Nantes have conceded first in eight of their last 10 matches, so Metz to open the scoring at 2.2 is a solid option.
Nine of the last 10 encounters between these sides have produced fewer than three goals, and this one could follow a similar pattern, making Under 2.5 goals at 1.73 a strong pick.
> Winner: Metz at 2.8 | Likelihood: Probable
> Metz to score first at 2.2 | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 1.73 | Likelihood: Possible
> Under 10.5 corners at 1.5 | Likelihood: Possible