Lens vs Metz prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-09-15 19:00.
Lens have managed to claim just a single point (D1, L3) after four Ligue 1 rounds, making it a disappointing start to the 2023/24 season for the club. This early performance stands in stark contrast with their exciting previous season when the Sang et Or were tied on points at the top of the standings alongside PSG and Marseille after their first four games.
There are some extenuating circumstances to consider, such as three of their opening four matches coming against sides that finished in last season’s top-four (D1, L2), although their 3-0 loss at Monaco before the international break was their heaviest in Ligue 1 for almost two years. A home match against newly-promoted Metz could therefore be a golden opportunity to finally kick-start their campaign, given that their last Ligue 1 home H2H loss came 20 years ago (W3, D3 since).
Metz's momentum has taken a different turn, as they rebounded after a heavy 5-1 defeat to Rennes at the start of their Ligue 1 campaign by managing to secure points in their next three matches (W1, D2). That was bookended by a 2-2 home draw with Reims, which made it the Grenats’ best four-game start to a top-flight campaign since 2016/17. Club management responded last week by extending the contract of coach Laszlo Bölöni until 2025.
After claiming their only victory this season away from home (1-0 at Clermont), Metz will hope to take advantage of Lens’ poor form, and at the same time record their first run of consecutive away victories in the top flight since early 2021. A clean sheet will probably be the key to achieving that, as all three of their previous Ligue 1 H2H wins here came via a 2-0 scoreline.
Players to watch: Still without a goal in two appearances for Lens, Elye Wahi should have gained confidence with a brace and an assist across his two matches with France U21s during the international break. Meanwhile, Oscar Estupinan, who arrived on loan from Hull City this summer, scored twice in Metz's 4-1 friendly win over Dudelange on Tuesday.
Hot streak: Metz have lost all of their previous eight Ligue 1 away games officiated by Mikaël Lesage.