The Matchday 1 clash in Ligue 1 between Metz and Strasbourg will take place on August 17 at the Saint-Symphorien Stadium. Metz vs. Strasbourg: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Metz
The club finished third in last season's Ligue 2 and earned the right to play in the top French championship through playoff matches. Metz defeated Ligue 1 representative Reims over two legs, drawing 1-1 twice and edging out their opponent in extra time of the return leg (2-0). The team immediately returned to the top division after being relegated in the 2023/24 season via the same playoff matches. Notably, in the previous Ligue 2 campaign, Metz was the second-highest scoring club, netting 64 goals, with only the champions Lorient scoring more (68). At home, in the second-tier French championship, the team remained unbeaten in 16 of 17 matches (10 wins, 6 draws). The team played six friendly matches in the off-season, securing four wins and two losses.
In the summer, the club parted ways with two main goalkeepers – Alexandre Oukidja and Arnaud Bodart, and brought in Danish goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer as a replacement. Departures also included defender Matthieu Udol and forward Pape Diallo. The team was strengthened by midfielders Boubacar Traore, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, and Georgian forwards Giorgi Tsitaishvili and Giorgi Abuashvili.
- The team has not lost in 8 of their last 10 matches in Ligue 2 (6 wins, 2 draws).
- Both teams scored in Metz's last 10 matches in the second-tier French championship, with at least 3 goals scored in each.
- At home, the club scored at least 2 goals in 7 of their last 8 matches in Ligue 2.
Predicted lineup for Metz (3-4-3)
Jonathan Fischer – Yuri-Michel Mboula, Kevin van den Kerkhof, Sadibou Sane – Jessy Demenge, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Cheikh Sabaly, Boubacar Traore – Ibrahima Sane, Idrissa Gueye, Giorgi Tsitaishvili.
Midfielder Gauthier Hein will not be available due to suspension.
Strasbourg
The Alsatians secured a European competition spot by finishing 7th in last season's French championship. The club made significant progress after battling relegation for two consecutive seasons. In the previous championship, Strasbourg remained unbeaten in 25 of 34 matches (16 wins, 9 draws), with only 9 losses, fewer than just 3 teams. However, away from home, the club was less convincing, earning only 22 of their 57 points on the road. Ahead of the new season, the Alsatians played five friendly matches, winning only twice (1 draw, 2 losses).
The club retained its key players, with notable departures in the current transfer window including goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who moved to Bournemouth, and midfielder Habib Diarra. Meanwhile, Strasbourg strengthened their squad by signing defenders Lukas Hoysberg and Soumaïla Coulibaly, midfielders Mathis Amugu, Pape Diop, Maxi Oyedele, and Argentine forward Joaquin Panichelli.
- The team has not lost in 12 of their last 14 matches in Ligue 1 (9 wins, 3 draws).
- At least 3 goals were scored in 7 of Strasbourg's last 9 matches in this tournament.
- The Alsatians kept clean sheets in 5 of their last 6 away matches in the French championship.
Predicted lineup for Strasbourg (3-4-3)
Mike Penders – Mamadou Sarr, Abakar Sylla, Ishe Samuels-Smith – Junior Mwanga, Samir El-Morabiti, Valentin Barco, Felix Lemarechal – Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Joaquin Panichelli, Emmanuel Emega.
Defender Andrew Omobamidele is out due to suspension.
Referee
Mathieu Vernice (France)
Matches – 15 (Ligue 1, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 65;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 20%.
Metz vs. Strasbourg: Match Prediction
Returning to Ligue 1, Metz will host a well-strengthened Strasbourg in their opening match of the tournament. The Alsatians had a successful last season, finishing in the European competition zone, and aim to solidify their position among the top teams in the championship, having spent a significant amount on transfers this summer. In the previous championship, the team had an excellent second half of the season, setting a new record for their unbeaten streak in the tournament in the new millennium, going 12 matches without a loss. Strasbourg could have aimed for more than just a spot in the Conference League qualifiers, but a disappointing finish with 2 losses let them down.
I believe the club will compete for European spots again in the upcoming season. On the other hand, French media predict a relegation battle for Metz. Therefore, it seems logical that bookmakers have made the visitors the favorites for the upcoming match. The Alsatians have won 4 of their last 6 away matches in Ligue 1 without conceding (1 draw, 1 loss), and kept clean sheets in 5 matches during this period. Moreover, the team has defeated Metz in their last 5 head-to-head encounters in the French championship.
I am confident that the visitors will be closer to victory this time as well, my prediction – Strasbourg with a handicap (0)
