Metz vs Lyon prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2024-02-22 20:00.
Manager LĂĄszlĂł Bölöni will be only too aware that time may be running out on his tenure as Metz manager. A 3-0 hammering at the hands of Montpellier last weekend left his side deep in the Ligue 1 relegation zone and led to sections of the clubâs travelling fanbase chanting for his 20-month stint at the helm to come to an end.
Itâs easy to see why some supporters are keen to see a change in the dugout, given their side remain winless in 2024 following a run of eight defeats from their last ten games across all competitions (D2). As such, the Maroons head into this round of fixtures five points from safety, not helped by possessing the unwanted honour of the divisionâs worst home record, collecting just six points at Stade Saint-Symphorien all season (W1, D3, L6).
The chances of that poor run ending any time soon look slim, as visitors Lyon are on a sensational run of nine wins from their last 11 outings across all competitions (L2). The most recent of those was a 1-0 success over high-flying Nice, a result that means Pierre Sageâs side have climbed into mid-table, despite looking certainties for relegation only a few months ago.
The job is still far from done in terms of securing safety, with just three points separating the âKidsâ from the bottom three. History suggests they should be confident of registering back-to-back away league victories for the first time since April though, given Lyon have beaten Metz more times than any club currently in Ligue 1, registering 50 wins in 99 meetings (D18, L31).
Key battle: Having come off the bench in the last two games as he is eased back from injury, Joel Asoro may be handed a starting berth by Metz as he looks to extend a run of 14 wins from the last 18 matches in which he has scored (D2, L2). Attempting to thwart him will be Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, who has kept seven clean sheets in 13 league H2Hs (W8, D2, L3).
Hot stat: Lyon have scored the fewest number of first-half away league goals this season (one).