Metz vs Lorient prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2024-02-03 14:00.
Given the compact nature of the Ligue 1 table, some may not consider this meeting between 15th-placed Metz and bottom-club Lorient a six-pointer, but it’s a fixture that could prove key in determining both sides’ futures this campaign. Metz are the worst team in the division over the last six league matches (L6) and have also exited the Coupe de France to Clermont recently, which doesn’t exactly bode well for this crucial clash.
Goals have been a big problem for LászlĂł Bölöni’s side throughout this top-flight campaign, with only Clermont having scored fewer than their 16. The Romanian manager can at least inspire his troops by reminding them of their last win though, a 3-2 triumph at Lorient in late November, when they had to come from 2-1 down – their sole comeback victory in 14 attempts this season.
Lorient, meanwhile, are on a ten-game winless run in Ligue 1 (D3, L7), as well as being dumped out of the Coupe de France by third-tier Sochaux in early January. Now, manager RĂ©gis Le Bris must find a way of guiding the Bretons to an elusive win on the road – something they haven’t managed since last April against none other than Paris Saint-Germain!
Unfortunately for Les Merlus, they’ve failed to pick up the three points in the last four away H2Hs (D1, L3), letting in at least three goals on three of those occasions. On top of that, they’ve also fallen behind on the scoresheet the most times in the division this term without winning (15 – D5, L10) and comfortably possess the worst defence in the league, with 41 goals conceded.
Players to watch: After helping fire Metz into Ligue 1, Georges Mikautadze joined Ajax in late August, but is now back on loan. In his last 26 scoring appearances for club and country, the Georgia international has managed to avoid defeat (W20, D6). Lorient will hope new arrival Mohamed Bamba can be the catalyst for their survival push, and the Ivorian will be pushing for a start after netting off the bench at the weekend on his debut against Le Havre, having got the opener in his three previous scoring outings.
Hot stat: Lorient haven't conceded in the first 20 minutes of an away game in Ligue 1 this season.