Metz vs Toulouse prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2024-01-13 14:00.
After a promising four-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1 (W2, D2), Metz appear to be losing momentum as they've suffered four consecutive league losses, with their lead over the bottom three teams reduced to just two points ahead of the round. Låszló Bölöni's team experienced a continuation of their poor form in their 2024 opener, suffering a penalty shootout defeat on home turf against bottom-placed Clermont in the French Cup last weekend.
The Maroons will have a chance to make amends in front of their fans here, but given they hold the second-worst home record in Ligue 1 this season (W1, D3, L4), there isnât much cause for optimism. A significant factor behind their struggles has been their lack of quality in the final third, as they have failed to score in five of their previous six home league matches.
Toulouse's start to 2024 has been somewhat indifferent, experiencing a 2-0 loss to PSG in the Trophée des Champions before securing a 3-0 victory against fifth-tier Chambéry in the French Cup. The recent league form of Carles Martinez Novell's men presents a contrasting narrative, with their current ten-game winless run the longest in Ligue 1 (D5, L5), leaving them in the relegation play-off spot pre-round.
This upcoming match promises to be a âsix-pointerâ for the Violets, as they could overtake their hosts in the standings and climb out of the relegation zone with a win. To do so, theyâll have to put an end to a five-game winless streak at Metz dating back to 2008 (D3, L2), but the fact that they possess one of the poorest away records in Ligue 1 (W1, D3, L5) suggests their wait could roll on.
Players to watch: Expect an exciting match should Metzâs Cheikh Sabaly find the net, given 20 of the last 22 games in which he has been on the scoresheet have seen over 2.5 goals. After his early brace for Toulouse last weekend, lucky charm Naatan SkyttĂ€ has managed to avoid defeat in the last 17 games he has scored in (W11, D6).
Hot stat: Toulouse are yet to score in the opening 15 minutes of either half in their away Ligue 1 matches.