Sabasports Match Preview
Ligue 1 Qualification Play-offs: Saint-Etienne vs Metz
Kickoff Time: 2024-05-31 02:30 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
In the second round of the Ligue 1 Qualification Play-offs, Saint-Etienne defeated Rodez 2-0 at home, keeping their hopes alive for a return to Ligue 1. Saint-Etienne have a rich history in French football, boasting numerous top league championships and domestic cup honors. However, their competitiveness has waned in recent years. They have consistently hovered in the middle and lower ranks of Ligue 1 and have now even been relegated to Ligue 2. Nonetheless, Saint-Etienne have had a commendable performance in Ligue 2 this season. Statistically, they have scored 48 goals and conceded 31 in the league. While their offensive prowess is average, their defense is formidable, having conceded the fewest goals in Ligue 2 this season. Additionally, Saint-Etienne have exhibited great strength when playing at home, having secured seven wins, one draw, and no defeats in their last eight home games.
As for Metz, they have recorded eight wins, five draws, and 21 losses in Ligue 1 this season. By a narrow margin, they secured a spot in the play-offs by surpassing Lorient in terms of goal difference. In terms of stats, Metz have scored 35 goals and conceded 58 in the league this season. Their offensive performance has been mediocre, and their defense has been riddled with vulnerabilities. They often make mistakes that put them in a disadvantageous position during games. Particularly in critical moments, these errors have significantly impacted their morale, and as the game progresses, their weaknesses become more apparent. Furthermore, Metz has experienced a four-match losing streak in the final stages of the league, leaving them in a sluggish state. They struggle to gain an advantage against weaker teams and are unable to mount a comeback against stronger opponents.
Comparing the overall strength of the two, they can be considered evenly matched, but there is a clear disparity in their current competitive status. Saint-Etienne have displayed superior recent performances compared to Metz. Considering Saint-Etienne’s strong home record, they are expected to secure victories in this first leg at home.
Saint-Etienne’s Last 5 Games: WLDDW
24-05-25 Saint-Etienne 2-0 Rodez
24-05-18 Quevilly 2-1 Saint-Etienne
24-05-11 Saint-Etienne 1-1 Rodez
24-05-05 Guingamp 2-2 Saint-Etienne
24-04-27 Saint-Etienne 1-0 Caen
Metz’s Last 5 Games: LLLLW
24-05-20 Metz 0-2 Paris Saint-Germain
24-05-13 Strasbourg 2-1 Metz
24-05-08 Metz 2-3 Rennes
24-04-28 Metz 1-2 Lille
24-04-21 Le Havre 0-1 Metz
Head To Head Record:
23-04-22 Saint-Etienne 1-3 Metz
22-11-08 Metz 3-2 Saint-Etienne
22-03-06 Saint-Etienne 1-0 Metz
21-10-30 Metz 1-1 Saint-Etienne
21-02-07 Saint-Etienne 1-0 Metz
Prediction: Saint-Etienne to win