Metz vs Lyon
Ligue 1
Friday
23rd February 2024
Stade Saint-Symphorien
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Ligue 1 fixture between Metz and Lyon.
Metz vs Lyon: Preview
Metz form analysis
Metz’s recent run of Ligue 1 matches has seen the strugglers fail to build any momentum in their battle against relegation. Kicking off with a 1-0 home loss to Toulouse thanks to Vanja Sierro’s early penalty, Metz then suffered late heartbreak in a 1-0 defeat away at Nice with Evan Guessand netting an 86th minute winner. Further disappointment followed in a 2-1 home loss to Lorient – Didier Lamkel Ze equalized Moussa Bamba’s opener but Paris Katseris grabbed a second half winner for the visitors.
Metz showed some fighting spirit by battling back to draw 1-1 away at Marseille after Matthieu Udol’s equalizer but were soon brought back down to earth. A 3-0 thrashing away at Montpellier left Metz second bottom of the table with Teji Savanier’s late penalty compounding early goals from Issa Sylla and Marvin Gakpa. With defensive issues clear and a lack of firepower up front, Metz have it all to do if they are to pull through relegation.
Lyon form analysis
Lyon’s recent five-game run perfectly encapsulates an inconsistent season where highs have always been followed by deflating lows. After crashing out of the cup at Le Havre, Lyon were stunned 3-2 at home by Rennes despite an Alexandre Lacazette brace threatening a comeback. However, Lacazette was the matchwinner next time out – scoring the only goal to beat rivals Marseille 1-0. But Lyon failed to build momentum, requiring another Lacazette equalizer and late Moussa Caqueret winner to bea Montpellier 2-1 away.
This rollercoaster run was summarized last time out – disciplined defending and Oliver Mangala’s goal earned a big 1-0 home win over top four rivals Nice but Lyon remained mid-table. With such extreme swings in performance, manager Laurent Blanc clearly has a hugely talented but exceptionally erratic squad. Finding greater consistency will be critical if sleeping giants Lyon are to reawaken and challenge the top sides next season.
