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Metz face off with Lille in a Ligue 1 game at the Stade Saint-Symphorien this Sunday.
Metz are just one point out of the relegation zone, sitting in 15th, while Lille look well-equipped to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, as they are in fourth and could climb up to third with a win here.
So which one of these sides will pick up some valuable points this weekend?
Metz vs Lille Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- If recent games between these sides are anything to go by, things do not bode well for Metz here. They have not beaten Lille in any of their last six meetings, suffering three defeats, and last beat this weekend's opponents in 2016.
- Metz's form does appear to have turned the corner somewhat in recent weeks, though. They have now won their last two games, and could end up clawing their way to safety if they can keep it up here.
- After going six league games unbeaten, Lille suffered their first defeat since February 25 on Thursday when they fell to Champions League rivals Monaco. The loss capped off a bad week for Paulo Fonseca's side, as were eliminated from the Europa Conference League by Aston Villa just one week earlier.
- Metz striker Georges Mikautadze continued his hot streak last weekend by scoring his side's winner against Le Havre. The Georgian has now scored five goals in his last three games.
- Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier was outstanding against Aston Villa, and has kept 15 clean sheets this season, giving him the second-best record in Ligue 1.
Metz vs Lille Prediction
On paper, given the league positions of these sides, Lille would probably be heavily favoured to come away with the win here.
However, Metz's recent upturn in form and Lille's dip in fortunes makes it a far trickier game to predict.
Overall, the home side will be scrapping for every point they can get right now and if they can avoid defeat here, safety will be very much in their sights. Therefore, the prediction is a score draw.
Prediction: Metz 1-1 Lille
Metz vs Lille Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw.
Tip 2: Both teams to score - Yes (Lille have a strong defense, but Metz have now scored in their last eight games in a row).
Tip 3: Georges Mikautadze to score for Metz - Yes (Mikautadze has scored five goals in his last three games and has 10 goals in total this season).
