Nice vs Metz Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
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When is Nice vs Metz on and what time does it start? Nice vs Metz will take place on Saturday 27th January, 2024 – 16:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Nice vs Metz? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Nice vs Metz on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Nice vs Metz
Where can I stream Nice vs Metz in the UK? If Nice vs Metz is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
NICE
The surprise appointment of the inexperienced Francesco Farioli in the summer has been followed by an extremely impressive campaign as Nice begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting in the top three and the UEFA Champions League spots. However, their lack of goals has been a concern throughout the campaign and they are now struggling with their form.
Despite being regarded as title challengers for most of this campaign, Nice have managed to score just 19 goals in their 18 matches so far this season. Their 2-0 defeat to Stade Rennais in their most recent Ligue 1 outing last weekend means that they have won three, drawn one and lost three of their last seven league games.
METZ
Under the management of Laszlo Boloni, Metz begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting in the bottom-half of the table, just above Olympique Lyonnais in the relegation playoff place on goal difference. They are in horrible form in Ligue 1 at the moment and Boloni is coming under serious pressure for his job.
The visitors come into this one on the back of a 1-0 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Toulouse in their most recent outing, a couple of weeks ago. That followed on from being beaten by Clermont on penalties in the Round of 64 of the Coupe de France. Metz have suffered seven successive defeats across all competitions.
THE TEAM NEWS
NICE
Jeremie Boga and Youcef Atal are both away at the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst Romain Perraud and Sofiane Diop are unavailable for this one due to injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Bulka; Lotomba, Ndayishimiye, Dante, Bard; Sanson, Rosario, Claude-Maurice; Moffi, Guessand, Laborde
UNAVAILABLE: Boudaoui (International duty), Boga (International duty), Atal (International duty), Perraud (Injured), Diop (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
METZ
Metz have a few availability concerns as Albie Jallow and Lamine Camara are away the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst Christophe Herelle is out suspended and Oscar Estupinan is injured.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Oukidja; Colin, Traore, Sane, Udol; N’Doram, Jacques, N’Guessan; Asoro, Mikautadze, Sabaly
UNAVAILABLE: Van Den (International duty), Cande (International duty), Camara (International duty), Jallow (International duty), Herelle (Suspended), Estupinan (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
As mentioned, even when they were playing well and being very effective at the top end of the table. Nice had struggled for goals so when their defensive concentration lapses even slightly, they leave themselves susceptible to dropping points on a more regular basis. They face a Metz side that are also very low-scoring in Ligue 1 this season as they continue to battle against relegation in horrible form. A Nice victory, without many thrills for the neutral, is to be expected at the Allianz Riviera.
TIP: NICE TO WIN & UNDER 3.5 GOALS
