Lens vs Metz Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
Updated
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Lens head into this one on the back of a dramatic midweek as Pierre Sage’s side enjoy a magnificent campaign ahead of the visit of Metz to the north of France.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1+ / US – beIN Sports Connect
Lens team news: Several issues
Lens are dealing with several issues ahead of this one as Arthur Masuaku is missing through suspension, while key attackers such as Allan Saint-Maximin and Wesley Said are also doubtful.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Risser; Ganiou, Celik, Sarr; Abdulhamid, Sangare, Thomasson, Udol; Thauvin, Sotoca; Edouard
Unavailable: Gurtner (Injured), Antonio (Injured), Gradit (Injured), Aguilar (Injured), Masuaku (Suspended)
Questionable: Baidoo (Injured), Saint-Maximin (Injured), Said (Injured)
Metz team news: A few injuries
Metz are dealing with a few injuries for this one as former Tottenham Hotspur defensive midfielder Benjamin Stambouli remains sidelined, while Pape Sy and Lucas Michal are doubtful, too.
Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Fischer; Koauo, Sane, Munongo, Colin; Gbamin; Sarr, Toure, Traore, Tsitaishvili; Diallo
Unavailable: Sy (Injured), Stambouli (Injured), Mangondo (Injured)
Questionable: Hein (Injured), Michal (Injured)
Lens vs Metz prediction
Lens come into this one on the back of a penalty shootout victory over Olympique Lyonnais, away from home, in the quarter-finals in the Coupe de France, in a game in which they were 2-0 up before conceding a last-gasp equaliser. In Ligue 1, they are seeking to keep up the pressure on Paris Saint-Germain, having led PSG a few times in the table but now currently sitting four points behind the champions.
Metz begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting rock-bottom in Ligue 1 and five points behind the relegation playoffs, 11 adrift of outright safety, having struggled throughout the campaign following their promotion last season.
This one does appear to be a bit of a mis-match and, with their home advantage, Lens will be expected to ease to a comfortable win here, albeit they did lose the reverse fixture.
Lens vs Metz tip: Lens to win -1 handicap
