As the two teams lock horns, Lyon looks to capitalize on their newfound momentum to further Metz's relegation woes.
This Friday at the Stade Saint-Symphorien, a resurgent Lyon side, currently 11th in Ligue 1, sets its sights on three points against a Metz team languishing in 17th place and desperate to break a two-month winless streak.
Metz's recent form has been particularly worrying, highlighted by a 3-0 defeat to Montpellier, leaving them five points adrift of safety and in dire need of a turnaround to maintain their top-flight status.
🎥 @JMangala_8 first goal for LYON 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/XEhS19hccn— Olympique Lyonnais 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@OL_English) February 19, 2024
🎥 @JMangala_8 first goal for LYON 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/XEhS19hccn
Despite a morale-boosting draw against Marseille, Metz's main issue has been their lack of firepower upfront, ranking as the second-worst team in the league in terms of goals scored.
The challenge for Les Grenats doesn't get any easier as they prepare to host a Lyon team that has found a new lease of life under the guidance of Pierre Sage and the goalscoring prowess of Alexandre Lacazette, who has netted 11 goals this season.
Lyon's January reinforcements have sparked a notable improvement, with the team securing crucial victories against notable sides including OGC Nice, Lille, and triumphing in the highly anticipated Choc des Olympiques.
These results have reignited Lyon's ambitions, although questions linger about their ability to contest for more than just mid-table honors this late in the season.
Metz faces a daunting task, having suffered four consecutive home defeats in Ligue 1, a stark contrast to Lyon's current run of three straight league wins.
This upward trajectory for Lyon suggests a team hitting its stride at a crucial juncture of the campaign.
Lyon's dominance over Metz is well-documented, with Les Gones not tasting defeat in 17 of their last 20 encounters against Metz in Ligue 1.
Metz's woes are compounded by the absences of Kévin N'Doram and top scorer Ablie Jallo, while Lyon will be without the services of Corentin Tolisso, Henrique, Dejan Lovren, and Johann Lepenant due to injuries, presenting challenges for both sides.
Forebet anticipates a continuation of Lyon's winning streak, predicting a victory for the visitors that would amplify the pressure on Metz in their fight for Ligue 1 survival.