Two sides who have endured a challenging start to the campaign square off in round 11 of the French Ligue 1 as Nantes play host to Metz on Sunday. While Les Grenats currently sit rock-bottom in the league standings, the home side are currently in 15th place, just four points above the visitors.
FootballWhispers’ Nantes vs Metz prediction takes a look at the chances of both sides securing all three points at the Stade de la Beaujoire this weekend.
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Nantes vs Metz prediction: Metz’s away woes to continue
Key stats
- Metz have lost each of their five Ligue 1 away matches this season, while conceding a staggering 21 goals and scoring five so far.
- Nantes have won just two of their nine home games in the league since the start of April, while losing four and picking up three draws in that time.
- There have been fewer than three goals scored in nine of the last 10 meetings between Nantes and Metz, with a combined 16 goals being netted across the 10 matches since September 2017.
- There have also been fewer than five bookings in four of their most recent five encounters since January 2021.
Correct score prediction: Nantes 2-1 Metz
Having secured their first win of the season last time out, Metz will head into the weekend with renewed confidence as they look to surge from the doldrums. However, home advantage gives Nantes an extra edge here, and we are backing them to see off Metz, who have been abysmal on their travels this season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Nantes are tipped to win
- HOME: 19/20 (1.95) – 51.3%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The bookmakers have Nantes down as clear favourites to come out on top at the Stade de la Beaujoire this weekend, indicated by their 51.3% win probability.
While Metz will be looking to make it two victories on the bounce for the first time this season, they have been given a 25.6% chance of winning, while there is a 29.4% probability the game will end in a deadlock.
While we take a deeper look into both teams, you can take a peek at some of the best picks and predictions for this weekend’s fixtures by FootballWhispers in today’s free football betting tips.
Most recent H2Hs: Metz have been dominant of late
Metz holds the upper hand in this fixture across their most recent 10 encounters, having picked up four wins and four draws since September 2017.
The last meeting between the two teams came in March 2024, when Georges Mikautadze and Matthieu Udol hit the target to inspire Metz to a 2-0 victory at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
France Ligue 1 03/03/24
Nantes
Metz
France Ligue 1 12/11/23
Metz
Nantes
France Ligue 1 27/02/22
Metz
Nantes
France Ligue 1 15/08/21
Nantes
Metz
France Ligue 1 24/01/21
Metz
Nantes
Nantes preview: Yet to hit their stride this season
Nantes have struggled for consistency in the new Ligue 1 campaign and find themselves scrambling for points at the wrong end of the table.
Luis Castro’s men have picked up two wins from their 10 league games, while losing five and claiming three draws, to collect nine points and sit 15th in the table, just two points above 17th-placed Auxerre.
Nantes were on the losing end of an eight-game thriller against Monaco in midweek, as they fell to a 5-3 defeat when the two teams squared off at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
Castro will hope his side can take the positives from their dogged display against Monaco as they look to secure just their second home win of the campaign and pull clear of the danger zone.
However, Nantes will need to be at their best this weekend as they go up against an opposing side whom they have failed to get the better of in eight of their last 10 encounters since September 2017.
Predicted lineup: Lopes (GK), Amian, Awaziem, Tati, Leroux, Kwon, Mwanga, Tabibou, Guirassy, El Arabi & Abline
Last five games
- Nantes 3-5 Monaco
- Paris 1-2 Nantes
- Nantes 0-2 Lille
- Brest 0-0 Nantes
- Toulouse 2-2 Nantes
Metz preview: Out to secure consecutive Ligue 1 wins for the first time since April 2024
Gauthier Hein grabbed the headlines for Metz on Wednesday as he netted twice in a late four-minute spell to fire Metz to a 2-0 victory over Lens at the Stade Saint Symphorien.
This was a much-needed result for Stephane Le Mignan’s side, who had failed to taste victory in their opening nine league matches, losing seven and picking up two draws.
Having gained promotion from Ligue 2 last term, it has been a challenging return to the top flight for Metz, who find themselves rock-bottom in the table with just five points from a possible 30.
Les Grenats’ struggles have been down to their defensive vulnerability, as they have conceded a staggering 26 goals already, four more than any other side in the division.
Metz will be looking to secure back-to-back Ligue 1 wins for the first time since beating Lens and Le Havre back in April 2024, but they will need their A-game at the Stade de la Beaujoire, having lost each of their five away matches this season.
Predicted lineup: Fischer (GK), Colin, Yegbe, Gbamin, Kouao, Toure, Deminguet, Tsitaishvili, Sabaly, Abuashvili, Diallo
Last five games
- Metz 2-0 Lens
- Lille 6-1 Metz
- Toulouse 4-0 Metz
- Metz 0-3 Marseille
- Metz 0-0 Le Havre
Player to watch — Bahereba Guirassy
Bahereba Guirassy turned in a stunning individual display against Monaco in midweek and the teenage striker will be one to look out for on Sunday.
Guirassy netted two first-half goals to help Nantes fight back from behind twice and end the first half level, before their defensive collapse in the second half.
The 19-year-old forward should retain his role in the XI this weekend, teaming up with veteran striker Youssef El Arabi and Frenchman Matthis Abline.