Le Havre vs Metz prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2024-04-20 13:00.
[p]With just five games left in the Ligue 1 season for Le Havre and Metz, this basement battle certainly resembles a âsix-pointerâ. Le Havre come into this round sitting marginally better off in the table, with their 28 points enough to see them sat 15th and two points above the relegation play-off spot ahead of the round, but unless they can arrest their four match winless league run (D1, L3), their cushion is at risk of evaporating. [/p]
[p]Stopping the rot at home is far from a foregone conclusion, not least because theyâve lost four of their last five league outings at the Stade Oceane (W1). Four of the last five Le Havre-held H2Hs ending level (W1) would hint at a continuation of that misery on home turf, but given they havenât tasted a home league defeat against Metz since April 1995, history does at least suggest that Metz wonât leapfrog them in the table. [/p]
[p]The picture at the bottom looked a lot bleaker for Metz at the start of last weekend, but a shock 2-1 victory over European-chasing Lens boosted their survival hopes. Facing another basement dweller should boost belief they can post a timely set of back-to-back victories, as of their seven league wins this season, five came against sides starting the round 14th or lower![/p]
[p]One away league win since the start of December (D1, L6) raises doubts over their prospects of doing so, but knowing another such defeat here could prove near-fatal to their survival hopes, they have extra motivation to improve on that run. Whatever happens here, expect Metz to fight until the bitter end in their bid to stave off an instant return to Ligue 2, after boss LĂĄszlĂł Bölöni claimed âin football, anything is possibleâ when asked about his sideâs chances of survival.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Christopher OpĂ©ri netted the winner in Le Havreâs last league victory, but heâs been more of a thorn in the refereeâs side of late, with a yellow card after the hour mark in three of his last seven appearances. Arthur Atta has been in creative form for Metz of late, registering an assist in each of their last two games. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Ahead of the round, Le Havreâs home league games have seen a joint-league low nine first half goals this season. [/p]