Monaco vs Metz Preview: Team News & Prediction
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It was a harrowing midweek for Monaco as they seek to get back on track by welcoming newly-promoted Metz to Stade Louis II in the principality 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
Monaco preview: Need to get back on track
Coached by former Borussia Monchengladbach boss Adi Hutter, Monaco have played an excellent and entertaining style of football that makes them always worth watching, but it can also leave them exposed in crucial games, as was the case in midweek.
The Monegasque suffered a 4-1 hammering at the hands of Belgian side Club Brugge at the Janbreydelstadion in the opening game of their league phase of the UEFA Champions League, with Ansu Fati scoring a late consolation for the visitors.
Metz preview: Likely strugglers
Having gained promotion back to the top-flight of French football last season by winning the end of season Ligue 1/Ligue 2 promotion/relegation playoff against Stade de Reims, under the management of Stephane Le Mignan.
The Maroons, as they are nicknamed, begin the fifth match day of the campaign sitting rock-bottom, having collected just one point in their four matches so far. They most recently shared a 1-1 draw with Angers at Stade Saint-Symphorien last weekend.
Monaco team news: Ansu Fati back
Ansu Fati returned to the Monaco squad ahead of schedule in midweek and so he is fit. However, they lost both Mohammed Salisu and Denis Zakaria to injury in that defeat.
Predicted XI (4-2-2-2): Kohn; Vanderson, Dier, Mawissa, Caio Henrique; Bamba, Camara; Akliouche, Minamino; Embolo, Biereth
Unavailable: Hradecky (Injured), Salisu (Injured), Zakaria (Injured), Pogba (Fitness), Golovin (Injured)
Questionable: Stanis Idumbo (Injured)
Metz team news: Sane suspended
Metz centre-back Sadibou Sane is missing through suspension for the time being, having been linked with newly-promoted Premier League side Burnley over the summer.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Fischer; Kouao, Gbamin, Yegbe, Toure; Stambouli, Traore; Tsitaishvili, Hein, I. Sane; Diallo
Unavailable: S. Sane (Suspended), Mboula (Injured), Mbaye (Injured)
Questionable: Mangondo (Injured)
Monaco vs Metz prediction
Adi Hutter appears to be well liked by the Monaco squad and the small Monegasque fanbase. However, he should be tested this weekend because the hosts will need to react to what was a humiliation the other day. Metz were always expected to struggle and, despite a 1-1 draw with Angers last week, do look set for a long, hard campaign. Monaco need a response and, with home advantage against poor opposition, they should get one.
Monaco vs Metz tip: Monaco to win -1 handicap
