Metz – Lyon

Lyon have won their last two matches by a wide margin. What does the game against Metz have in store for them?

On Matchday 36 of the French championship, Metz will play Lyon at home. Both teams have important tournament goals to meet. Metz are in last place in Ligue 1, but have not yet lost their chance of survival, although they are already six points behind the qualifying zone and eight points behind the 17th safe position. The chances of Metz are rather theoretical, especially judging by the way the team is playing. It has looked hopeless in terms of content for several rounds already. Last round they could have beaten an unmotivated Montpellier team, led 2-0 up to the 80th minute, but only managed to slip away with a 2-2 draw. Metz's unbeaten streak now stands at 14 games. The last time they beat Reims was on 16 January (1-0). Since then, there have only been draws and defeats. At the same time, Metz tries to create chances, but lacks organization and reliability. Lyon, on the other hand, are seventh in Ligue 1 and are gradually climbing out of the middle of the table. But Peter Bosch's side came to their senses a little too late - only when they crashed out of the Europa League. Now there is still a chance of European competition, but to do so they need to win their remaining matches, including the meeting with Metz. Lyon are five points behind fifth-placed Strasbourg and ten points behind second-placed Monaco. In the previous round, Lyon beat Marseille 3-0 on the road. Before that, Montpellier were thrashed 5-2, so Lyon are in good form and their attack has finally been liberated. Let the defence still have problems. Interestingly, Lyon failed to beat Metz (1-1) at home in the first round. It is unlikely that the main Ligue 1 outsider will take points away from Lyon twice in a season. Metz have won only one match at home this season and lost nine times, with seven draws. Lyon have five away wins, six defeats and six draws. Metz's position in the upcoming match could be complicated by losses in the squad. Amadou, Kabit, Youdol, Kande, Maiga are injured, and Pagot is suspended. Lyon, on the other hand, have no significant losses.