Lorient vs Metz prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-11-25 14:00.
Occupying the relegation play-off spot ahead of Ligue 1’s return from the international break, Lorient will be keen to ensure they’re not there come the end of the round with a victory over Metz. Despite five places separating the two sides ahead of the round, Lorient could actually leapfrog their visitors if they can improve upon their solid home league form this season (W2, D3, L1) with a win.
Those nine points gained at home account for over 80% of Lorient’s seasonal total to date, placing pressure on them to collect results at home given their evident travel sickness. They ought to fancy their chances of again making the most of home comforts against Metz given they’ve won five of the last six home H2Hs (D1) and have never lost a top-flight meeting which they’ve hosted (W6, D1).
After promotion from Ligue 2 last season, 13 points from 12 Ligue 1 games this season represents a respectable total for Metz, whose primary aim this term will be to survive. Their start hints they appear well-placed to do so, as does their current form, with their three-match unbeaten league run (W1, D2) in stark contrast to the four game losing run it followed on from.
Their away form has certainly contributed to their relative success this season, with Metz one of just six Ligue 1 sides ahead of the round to average more points per game away (1.17) than at home (1). They don’t hold the best travelling record on Sundays though, winning just two of their last 15 top-flight Sunday-held away games (D4, L9) – a record which adds to the woe of a three-match winless league run on the road (D1, L2).
Players to watch: Still awaiting his first senior Lorient home goal, Eli Junior Kroupi has seen all three of his strikes this season come before the hour mark. Joel Asoro rounded off the scoring in Metz’s win against Nantes before the break, and he scored the only goal last time they won on the road in Ligue 1.
Hot stat: Metz have scored exactly once in five of their six away league games this season.