Metz vs Nice prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-10-06 15:00.
After an encouraging unbeaten run of four Ligue 1 matches (W2, D2), including a draw with Marseille and victory over Lens, newly-promoted Metz seem to be slowing down. The Maroons have lost back-to-back games without scoring, with the 3-0 loss away to Toulouse last weekend partly attributed to the heat, according to coach László Bölöni.
Whilst that may sound just like an excuse, the heat is certainly on them now after those two winless games, one of which was their last home game against Strasbourg which saw them fall to an 83rd-minute winner. That’s been a costly trend this season for Bölöni's men, with their aggregate score of 0-5 after the 75th minute the worst such record in the division. Turning to home comforts hasn’t helped thus far either, as having lost only two matches at the Stade Saint-Symphorien throughout the entire previous season in Ligue 2, Metz are still looking for their first home victory in the 2023/24 season (D2, L1).
Nice sit fourth in the Ligue 1 standings ahead of the round, trailing leaders Monaco by just one point, and are one of two undefeated clubs this season (W3, D4). However, late-game situations have also been problematic for the Eaglets, as they would be holding a three-point lead at the top if they hadn't dropped four points after the 75th minute this season, the most by any side in the league.
Coach Francesco Farioli admitted he “felt like fainting” during their goalless draw with Brest after an emotionally-draining week off the field. He’ll need all his strength and focus for this away clash as Nice look to extend their run of consecutive away wins, and he’ll certainly be confident as this is a fixture his side have lost just once in the last seven matches on this ground (W4, D2).
Players to watch: Metz could rely on Cheikh Sabaly for a good start as he’s opened the scoring in three of the last four matches in which he’s found the net (W2, D2). Nice’s Jérémie Boga will be looking to surpass him, as seven of his previous eight club goals were scored in the second half.
Hot stat: Nice have kept a first half clean sheet in a joint-league high 86% of their games this season – far above the league average (52%).