Metz fell to within 1pt of the relegation zone by losing 3-0 at Caen on Sunday afternoon. That was the latest in a string of mediocre performances that has seen Metz fail to build on a bright start to 2016-17. Metz’s poor home record is another concern. They’ve won only twice in seven home fixtures (W2-D2-L3). That gives them the second-worst home record in the division. Metz have struggled for goals recently, and looking at their team news it’s easy to see why. No.1 striker Erding, playmaker Jouffre and winger Lejeune have all been missing. All three are automatic starters and all three are missing again for this game. The side will lack quality, confidence and experience in the final third without the trio.
Guingamp’s magnificent 2016-17 continued with a 2-1 win over PSG on Saturday afternoon. They produced an excellent performance to confirm their status as one of Ligue 1’s surprise packages of the season. Sitting 5th in the table, far higher than anybody expected, Guingamp are under no pressure at all. As a result they can go out and play to win here while knowing they’ve enjoyed an excellent first-half of the season whatever the result of this game. Guingamp have good team news as well. Experienced centre-back Sorbon is the only automatic starter missing. The defence will be more vulnerable without him, but Guingamp can be at full-strength in all other positions.
Verdict & Prediction
Guingamp will be in a tremendous mood after their 2-1 win over Ligue 1 champions PSG on Saturday afternoon. That was Guingamp’s latest magnificent performance in a season in which they have exceeded virtually everybody’s expectations. Sitting 5th in the table, they’re under absolutely no pressure as that’s a much better league position than was predicted at this stage of the season. But they will be keen to collect another 3pts here and will be confident they can do so because the hosts are struggling and because they arrive on a high after the win over PSG.
Prediction: Guingamp -0.50 AH (same as Guingamp to win match)
Odds: 2.33 Pinnacle
