Metz vs Strasbourg Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Following their promotion back to the top-flight last season, Metz kick off their campaign against a big spending and ambitious Strasbourg side this weekend.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1 pass / US – beIN Sports Connect
Metz preview: Back in Ligue 1
Having gained promotion back to the top-flight last season as a result of winning the end of season promotion/relegation playoff against Stade de Reims, Metz will be expected to struggle against the bottom three and the danger zone throughout.
Former Al Gharafa assistant coach Stephane Le Mignan is the man who has led Metz to promotion, but they have a limited squad, albeit have been able to bring in the likes of Boubacar Traore, Giorgi Tsitaishvili and Jonathan Fischer this summer.
Strasbourg preview: Big spending Strasbourg
Unlike a lot of teams in France, Strasbourg have been extremely busy and spent relatively heavily in the summer transfer window, as a result of their relationship with fellow BlueCo owned club Chelsea, having qualified for Europe last season.
Liam Rosenior did an extremely impressive job in Alsace last season, and Strasbourg have been given four more players from Chelsea, alongside other intriguing additions such as Soumaila Coulibaly, Maxi Oyedele and Joaquin Panichelli.
Metz team news: Hein suspended
Metz welcome Strasbourg for this one without Gauthier Hein, who is carrying through a suspension he received against Saint-Etienne in the relegation/promotion playoff.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Fischer; Colin, Sane, Mboula; Van Den Kerkhof, Stambouli, Gbamin, Traore, Tsitiashvili; Sabaly, Abuashvili
Unavailable: Hein (Suspended)
Questionable:
Strasbourg team news: A few issues
Liam Rosenior is now blessed with plenty of options in Alsace, but Andrew Omobamidele is missing through suspension, with new signing Mathis Amougou an injury doubt.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Doue, Sylla, Sarr; Diego Moreira, Kendry Paez, Lemarechal, Barco; Amo-Ameyaw, Panichelli; Emegha
Unavailable: Omobamidele (Suspended), Sow (Injured), Doukoure (Injured)
Questionable: Amougou (Injured)
Metz vs Strasbourg prediction
Metz head into this one with the ambition of ensuring they avoid relegation simply by being dour, defensive and difficult to beat. The hosts face a Strasbourg side that, coached by Rosenior, will once again intend to be expansive and now have something even approaching a bloated squad, such is the number of options and the amount of talent he has. They are favourites for an opening day victory, even away from home.
Metz vs Strasbourg tip: Strasbourg to win
