The upcoming clash between Metz and St Etienne in the Ligue 1 playoffs promises to be a thrilling encounter.
As both teams gear up for the second leg at Stade Saint-Symphorien, fans and analysts are eager to predict the outcome. Here’s an in-depth look at the teams’ current form, news, and possible outcomes.
Match Preview
Metz and St Etienne will face off in the second leg of their relegation/promotion playoff tie.
St Etienne secured a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, putting them in a favourable position.
However, Metz, playing on home turf, will be determined to overturn the deficit.
Team Form
Metz
Les Grenats narrowly avoided automatic relegation on the final day of the season due to a superior head-to-head away goals record against Lorient.
However, their recent form is concerning, having lost each of their last five matches and conceding multiple goals in each.
Their home performance has also been underwhelming, with just 12 points collected at Stade Saint-Symphorien throughout the regular season.
St Etienne
Les Verts, on the other hand, finished third in Ligue 2, just missing out on automatic promotion.
They showcased strong defensive capabilities, especially on the road, conceding only 17 goals in 19 away matches.
Despite a dip in away form towards the end of the season, St Etienne's historical performance against Metz at Stade Saint-Symphorien has been poor, with their last victory there dating back to 2015.
Team News
Metz
The hosts will be without Ablie Jallow, Joel Asoro, and Benjamin Tetteh due to injuries.
Additionally, Cheikh Sabaly’s fitness is in doubt after being forced off in the first leg. Kevin Van Den Kerkhof is expected to replace him on the right wing.
St Etienne
The visitors will miss Moroccan midfielder Aimen Moueffek, who was injured in the first leg.
Stephane Diarra and Ibrahima Wadji are also sidelined. However, St Etienne will rely on their prolific attacking duo, Irvin Cardona and Ibrahim Sissoko, who have scored a combined 24 goals this season.
Predicted Lineups
Metz
Goalkeeper: Alexandre Oukidja
Defenders: Koffi, Traore, Sane, Udol
Midfielders: Jacques, N'Doram, Camara
Forwards: Van Den Kerkhof, Mikautadze, Lamkel Ze
St Etienne
Goalkeeper: Gautier Larsonneur
Defenders: Macon, Batubinsika, Nade, Petrot
Midfielders: Chambost, Tardieu, Fomba
Forwards: Cardona, Sissoko, Cafaro
Prediction
Given St Etienne’s solid defensive record and Metz’s struggle to keep clean sheets, the visitors are likely to hold out for a draw, which would be enough to see them return to Ligue 1.
Our prediction: Metz 1-1 St Etienne, with St Etienne winning 3-2 on aggregate.
Metz 
Saint-Étienne 
