Reims vs Metz prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2024-03-16 14:00.
[p]For the first time under manager Will Still, Reims have failed to win four Ligue 1 home games in a row (D2, L2), and that recent form is seriously hampering their European ambitions, as they begin this round five points off the top six. Both home defeats in the last month saw the opposition score first, and when that’s happened so far this season, Still’s side have normally been beaten (D1, L8) – with that the second-worst such record in Ligue 1.[/p]
[p]You sense there’s little room for error against this weekend’s opponents Metz, who occupy a spot in the relegation zone. But if Reims are to take three points, they need to improve upon a woeful H2H record having not won any of their 15 meetings in France’s top flight (D6, L9), with their last win coming way back in 1976![/p]
[p]On recent form, Sunday’s visitors could well have a sting in the tail once more, considering they have won their last two Ligue 1 matches to claw their way back to within two points of safety ahead of this round. Having taken just a single point (D1, L9) from their ten league games before those two wins, Metz could now win three in a row in Ligue 1 for the first time since January 2021.[/p]
[p]Despite their lowly position in the division, Les Grenats’ away league record this season is mightily impressive (W4, D2, L7), with all four wins coming after scoring first. With a poor record of one draw and six losses when conceding the opener on the road, the first goal could be crucial here. [/p]
[p]Key battle: Oumar DiakitĂ© scored his fourth goal of the season last time out in Reims’ draw at PSG. All four have come in the first half, while he also netted against Metz in the reverse fixture. With clean sheets in his last two games, Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja appears well-placed to stop him adding to that tally, averaging four saves per game – the third-highest tally of anyone in the division. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Reims have failed to score in six of the last seven top-flight H2Hs they’ve hosted. [/p]