Monaco on the verge of four consecutive away wins.
Metz vs
Monaco
Relegation-battling Metz clash with high-flying Monaco at Stade Saint-Symphorien in a high-stakes encounter on Saturday, March 30, aiming for a crucial victory to boost their survival hopes.
Metz
Recently promoted Metz remained in the relegation zone after a 2-1 defeat to Reims just before the international break. Metz had come within a point after Arthur Atta [14’] provided the equalizer to an early opener from Reims. However, a late goal from Junya Ito [79’] turned what could have been a draw into a loss for Metz.
In 17th place with 23 points [6W, 5D, 15L], Metz are two points shy of the relegation playoff spot as they head into the weekend's survival race against Monaco. The Maroons will be looking to bounce back, having lost three of their last five Ligue 1 games [LLWWL].
However, Metz's second-worst goalscoring record might not pose much of a challenge to Monaco, who have the second-best scoring side in Ligue 1. Metz have a goal ratio of 0.88 G/G this season, scoring only 23 goals in 26 Ligue 1 games.
Additionally, Metz have lost seven of their last eight home games against Monaco in all competitions [1W, 0D, 7L], a stark contrast to their previous 38 encounters where they lost just as many times [17W, 14D, 7L].
László Bölöni is expected to stick to the 4-5-1 formation with Georges Mikautadze in attack. Danley Jean Jacques and Cheikh Sabaly are both suspended following an accumulation of yellow cards.
Monaco
Monaco are currently in 3rd place in the Ligue 1 table, boasting 46 points from 13 wins, 7 draws, and 6 losses. The team is unbeaten in their last four games, with a record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 1 loss.
Before the international break, Les Monégasques earned a point in a 2-2 home draw with Lorient. They now face Metz, having suffered only one defeat in their last 10 matches across all competitions, securing 4 wins and 5 draws.
Monaco are also notable for their recent away form, having won five of their last six Ligue 1 away games. They are on the verge of achieving four consecutive away victories, which would be their best run since April to May 2022.
Head coach Adi Hütter may opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation with Wissam Ben Yedder leading the attack. Folarin Balogun, fresh off winning the Concacaf Nations League with the USA, is also expected to be a key part of the offensive line-up.
However, Denis Zakaria will be unavailable for Saturday's clash, as he is serving a suspension following a red card in the match against Lorient.
