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Strasbourg face off with Metz in a Ligue 1 match at the Stade de la Meinau this Sunday. While Strasbourg have little to play for in this game, the same cannot be said for Metz, who will be desperate for a win.
Strasbourg currently sit in 13th place, and with 36 points to their name, they are officially safe from relegation at this point. Given they have lost their last three games in a row, though, it's a good thing they accumulated points earlier on, otherwise this slump could've seen them slip into danger.
Metz, on the other hand, occupy 16th place, the dreaded relegation play-off spot. With 29 points to their name, this game could well mark their final chance to push for survival, although their weak goal difference might prove to be an issue. Their final game of the season is against champions Paris St. Germain, meaning a win here will be imperative if they are to somehow survive without needing the play-off.
Strasbourg vs Metz Head-to-Head
Strasbourg have won their last four games against Metz dating back to 2021, a statistic that does not bode well at all for the home side.
Metz did win a visit to the Stade de la Meinau in August 2020, but that game was not a competitive one, and their last visit saw them slump to a 3-0 defeat.
In terms of recent form overall, neither side have looked good in recent weeks, with Strasbourg losing their last three and Metz losing their last two.
Strasbourg form guide in Ligue 1: D-W-L-L-L
Metz form guide in Ligue 1: L-W-W-L-L
Strasbourg vs Metz Team News
Strasbourg
Five players are looking likely to miss out on this game for Patrick Vieira's side, including Lebo Mothiba, who has scored three goals this season.
Injured: Karol Fila, Lebo Mothiba, Angelo
Doubtful: Junior Mwanga, Jessy Deminguet
Suspended: None
Metz
Key forward Georges Mikautadze is now available for this game after his red card last weekend was rescinded, meaning that Metz will have just two players sidelined for this game.
Injured: Benjamin Tetteh
Doubtful: Matthieu Udol
Suspended: None
Strasbourg vs Metz Predicted XI
Strasbourg predicted XI (3-4-3): Alaa Bellaarouch, Frederic Guilbert, Lucas Perrin, Abakar Sylla, Marvin Senaya, Andrey Santos, Ibrahima Sissoko, Thomas Delaine, Dilane Bakwa, Emanuel Emegha, Kevin Gameiro
Metz predicted XI (4-3-3): Alexandre Oukidja, Maxime Colin, Ismael Traore, Christophe Herelle, Fali Cande, Lamine Camara, Kevin N'Doram, Arthur Atta, Ablie Jallow, Georges Mikautadze, Papa Diallo
Strasbourg vs Metz Prediction
Only one of these two sides has something to play for here, meaning that it's very tempting to favor Metz to come away with all three points.
Metz have perhaps left things too late to survive in Ligue 1, but they have definitely been capable of scoring goals recently, largely thanks to the form of Mikautadze.
Strasbourg's good record against Metz and their home advantage makes them a tough out for the away side this weekend, but overall, the prediction is a narrow away win.
Prediction: Strasbourg 1-2 Metz
