Metz vs Lens Prediction & Betting Tips - Ligue 1

Prediction published on 10/04/2024, 15:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 12/04/2024 at 07:00 in Ligue 1 Prediction

Relegation-threatened Metz have a home game against Champions League hopefuls Lens next in their Ligue 1 roster, on Friday. The hosts are five points below safety while Lens are nine below the automatic Champions League qualification spot. A return to Ligue 2 is hanging over Metz, with six matches to play, and they have to put up a great run to escape that. Coming into this game, they are eyeing a double over Lens. In their reverse meeting, Joel Asoro’s strike helped Metz to a 1-0 win at Lens. Of their six wins this season, Lens is the highest placed opponent they’ve beaten. Metz have only defeated relegation-threatened sides in the other five games. Having sealed doubles over two, the hosts will be gunning for a third double of the season here. They however don’t have a run to go with their targets for this game. Metz are coming from three winless outings, having lost all. They put up a strong fight against Brest in their last game, but ended up 4-3 losers. Georges Mikautadze has emerged as a force in their survival struggle, with five goals in the last six matches. The forward was on the mark with a brace in the loss to Brest. The team’s improving numbers in attack mean they only failed to score once in nine Ligue 1 matches. Metz however have no clean sheet in 18 league matches.

Lens have failed to win any of their last three matches but still have a three-point gap in sixth place. At their current position, European football is guaranteed, but they’ll want more than a Conference League spot. In their last outing, Lens will be glad to have ended a two-match losing run as they drew 1-1 with Le Havre. One strength they’ve shown over their recent matches is the consistency in scoring. The visitors have netted in all but one of their last 12 matches. They however have just two clean sheets in the last eight matches. Lens will be more confident about taking this game away from home, having excelled on their travels in recent times. They are coming from three wins in their last five Ligue 1 matches played away from home. Six away wins in the league this season account for half their total wins this season. In this form they will be inspired to seek revenge for their first leg loss to Metz.