Reims vs Metz: Who will play in Ligue 1 next season?
On Thursday, May 29, we’re in for the second leg of the Ligue 1 playoff to determine who secures a spot in the top flight. Reims will host Metz on their home turf. The opening whistle is set for 21:00 Central European Time, and here’s my betting tip for this high-stakes clash.
Reims vs Metz: Match facts and head-to-head
- The first leg between these teams ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Reims are winless in their last six matches: two draws and four defeats.
- Metz are unbeaten in four straight, with two draws and two wins.
- Metz have found the net in 12 consecutive matches.
- Reims have failed to keep a clean sheet in five straight games.
- In their last ten away matches, Metz have lost only once.
- Both teams have a low percentage of shutout wins: 9% for Reims and 10% for Metz.
- In the last five head-to-head encounters, Reims have won twice, Metz once.
Reims vs Metz: Match preview
Reims quite unexpectedly and painfully found themselves in the relegation playoff. Just a round before the end of the season, the team was higher up the table. However, Reims lost that round 1-2, while Le Havre pulled off a sensational 3-2 away win over Strasbourg, scoring the decider at the death. As a result, Reims slipped to 16th and now have to fight for survival in the playoffs. Reims also faced a congested schedule—just last weekend they played in the French Cup final. Up against PSG, they stood no chance and fell 0-3. Speaking of their Ligue 1 campaign, Reims tallied just 33 points from 34 rounds.
Metz, representing Ligue 2, are battling for a return to the elite of French football. They finished third, just four points shy of second. After 34 rounds, Metz collected 65 points. Their playoff journey for Ligue 1 began with a clash against Dunkerque, which they won 1-0. The lone goal came from an own goal by a Dunkerque striker in the third minute of stoppage time. Metz’s schedule has been lighter—they haven’t played any other matches between the playoff legs.
The first leg between these rivals, played in Metz, ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The hosts took the lead, but Reims equalized early in the second half. No more goals were scored.
Probable lineups
- Reims: Diouf; Sekine, Okumu, Kippre, Akieme; Patrick, Gbane, Edowa, Nakamura; Sibatcheu, Thia.
- Metz: Sy; Kouao, Sané, Mbula, Udol; Kerkhof, Stambouli, Deminguet, Mputu; Hein, Sabaly
Prediction
A final match for a Ligue 1 spot always demands maximum focus and responsibility. I don’t expect either team to take big risks from the start. That’s why my pick is under 2.5 goals, with odds of 1.71.
