Nantes vs Metz FC Prediction: Nantes are a lot less of a disaster.

It's difficult to tell where Nantes are heading with so much inconsistency in their results lately. They won their last game against Lorient and there's still a doubt if they'll be able to follow up with another win. But against Metz FC, there's a real chance because Metz FC are in very poor form. Metz have failed to win any of their last 5 matches and they lost the last 2 games.

Nantes are pushing for the mid-table as they are currently in 12th place, while Metz FC look to be deep in the relegation zone with the chances of coming out eluding them by every passing week.

Realistically Nantes are in a better position to continue their fight than Metz FC. But it will be a good encounter between these two clubs nonetheless.

Nantes

Nantes are hardly a proper team from the looks of it and they will be lucky to make it above mid-table come the end of the season. In their last 5 matches, they have had 2 wins, 2 defeats and 1 draw.

Nantes defeated Lorient in their last game and they won by a single goal from Jean-Charles Castelleto. It was a hard fought win and Nantes will be proud of their efforts. 

Nantes manager Jocelyn Gourvennec deployed a defensive approach in the game against Lorient. He played a 5-3-2 formation with the hope to keep things tight at the back and that the team can catch a lucky break on attack. Judging by the end result, it's a job accomplished for the team. And according to stats, they had only 36% possession throughout the game but they managed to get 6 shots on target. They also created 1 big chance all game.

Jocelyn Gourvennec is most likely going to maintain the same shape against Metz FC. But he needs to win against Metz FC at all costs. Metz FC are out of sorts at the moment and any reasonable team will be looking to get 3 points off them. Attacking players such as Moses Simon will be responsible for scoring goals. He wasn't particularly bright against Lorient and he was subbed off for Benie Traore in the 77th minute. He should make the starting lineup once again and this time he needs to be more involved in the game.

Metz FC

Metz FC are losing the battle for survival and although it's too early to decide, there's too many red flags to indicate they might lose at the end of the season. They are already 5 points away from leaving the red zone and their performances are not improving on the pitch.

Metz coach Laszlo Boloni is under fire at the moment. He's seen the club through 4 defeats in their last 5 matches and it's already looking like all hopes are gone for Metz FC.

Metz FC played against Olympique Lyon away from home in the last game. Normally, there were no huge expectations on the team against Olympique Lyon whatsoever but the club was once again woeful in the game. 

Metz FC played a traditional 4-4-2 formation and they got off to a bright start with George Milkautadze scoring in the 13th minute. But Olympique Lyon scored 2 goals and were ahead by the 60th minute. Metz FC were poor in possession (38%), but they managed to get 4 shots on target. They also created 3 big chances and had 1 counter attack.

How Metz FC setup defensively is a huge worry for George Milkautadze. The 4 man defensive selection had a pretty average performance during the game and Matthew Udol probably looked bright at left back. 

Head to Head

According to the h2h record, in the last 20 meetings between Metz FC and Nantes, both clubs have won 4 games and they played a draw 12 times.

Analysis and Predictions

Nantes’ mentality has to be questioned ahead of this clash but there's just no way Metz FC are any closer to getting a win. The game will be tight from the setup of both clubs and chances will be at a premium. But if there's a win, then Nantes are most likely to be celebrating at the end.

According to the h2h, 9 of their last 10 meetings ended with less than 2.5 goals and less than 4.5 cards in 7 of the last 8 meetings. There were also less than 10.5 corners in 4 of the last 5 meetings.

• Under 2.5 Total Goals at 1.677 Odds
• Under 2.5 Total Goals at 1.67 Odds
• Nantes to Win 1-0 at 5.50 Odds