🏟️ Metz vs Lille Preview (6 February 2026) – Ligue 1 Prediction, Team News & Lineups

Two sides still searching for their first Ligue 1 victories of 2026 meet on Friday night as Metz welcome Lille to Stade Saint-Symphorien for the opening fixture of matchday 21. ⚽🏟️

Metz remain rooted to the bottom of the table after last weekend’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Angers, while Lille also fell by the same scoreline against Lyon, a result that stalled their push for a secure European position. Despite the gap in league positions, both teams enter this contest under pressure and in need of momentum.

With Metz desperate for survival points and Lille seeking to arrest a worrying domestic slide, this matchup offers plenty of intrigue from both a footballing and betting perspective. 📊🔥

Match preview

Metz: Form, confidence & key themes

Metz’s return to the top flight has been defined by fine margins — and almost always the wrong side of them. They have lost a league-high 14 matches this season, with exactly half of those defeats coming by a single-goal margin, underlining their inability to turn competitive performances into points.

The 1-0 loss at Angers last weekend marked Benoît Tavenot’s second match in charge, and while the structure has tightened slightly, results have yet to follow. Metz are currently two points behind Nantes in the relegation playoff spot and six adrift of Le Havre, making this fixture crucial in the broader survival picture.

Defensive frailties remain the most pressing concern. Metz have conceded 46 goals — the most in Ligue 1 — and their home form has deteriorated sharply. They have shipped eight goals across their last two league matches at Stade Saint-Symphorien, eroding what little home advantage they once held.

Still, there are slivers of optimism. Eight of their 12 points this season have come at home, including two of their three victories. Their last win here, a 2-1 success over Nice in November, serves as proof that under the right circumstances, Metz can rise to the occasion.

Lille: Momentum, problems & opportunities

Lille’s season has taken a concerning turn in recent weeks. After an encouraging end to their Europa League campaign, Bruno Génésio’s side quickly reverted to domestic struggles, losing a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 match last weekend.

Those dropped points have left Les Dogues clinging to fifth place, just two points clear of Strasbourg and Toulouse, and only one ahead of Rennes. With rivals closing in, Lille can ill afford further slip-ups, especially against teams in the relegation zone.

The start of 2026 has been particularly barren. Lille have yet to earn a point in league action this year, managing just one goal across four matches. Their away form is also wobbling, and another defeat would mark three straight road losses for the first time since spring of last season.

That said, history strongly favours the visitors. Lille boast a perfect record this season against newly promoted sides, scoring 17 goals across those encounters. Their 6-1 demolition of Metz in October highlighted the gulf in quality on their day, and Lille are unbeaten in their last 10 Ligue 1 meetings with Friday’s hosts.

Form guide 📊

• Metz Ligue 1 form: LLLLL
• Metz form (all competitions): LLLLL
• Lille Ligue 1 form: LLLL
• Lille form (all competitions): LLLL

Metz’s run reflects a team that stays competitive but consistently falls short, while Lille’s slump is more recent but equally alarming. Despite Lille’s struggles, their attacking record against promoted sides suggests they may find more joy here than in recent weeks. 📊

Team news & predicted lineups 🧤

Metz

Metz will be without Mamadou Sissoko, who is expected to miss out due to a head injury. Jean-Philippe Gbamin is suspended following his straight red card against Angers, further weakening the hosts’ midfield options.

There is also uncertainty surrounding young striker Joseph Mangondo, who remains doubtful as he continues to recover from a knee problem. Metz are likely to rely on work rate and organisation rather than attacking flair, with Diallo leading the line.

Metz possible starting lineup:
Fischer; Kouao, Colin, Yegbe, F. Toure; Deminguet, Stambouli, Traore; Hein, Diallo, Tsitaishvili

Lille

Lille’s injury list remains extensive. Thomas Meunier continues to battle a hamstring strain, while Osame Sahraoui is sidelined with a muscular issue. Long-term absentees Hamza Igamane and Ousmane Toure remain out with cruciate ligament injuries.

Goalkeeper Marc-Aurèle Caillard is expected to miss out again due to an elbow problem, while André Gomes is struggling with a muscle strain. Nabil Bentaleb is also a doubt, dealing with an upper back issue.

Despite those absences, Lille still possess attacking quality, with Olivier Giroud expected to spearhead the frontline.

Lille possible starting lineup:
Ozer; Santos, Ngoy, Mandi, Perraud; Broholm, Andre, Bouaddi, Correia; Fernandez-Pardo, Giroud

Key stats & betting angles 🔍

• Metz have conceded a league-high 46 goals this season
• Eight of Metz’s 12 points have come at home
• Metz have lost eight straight Ligue 1 matches
• Lille have yet to pick up a domestic point in 2026
• Lille have scored just one league goal this year
• Les Dogues have won all matches against promoted sides this season
• Lille are unbeaten in their last 10 top-flight meetings with Metz

Prediction ⚽

This fixture pits desperation against expectation. Metz will view this as a must-win opportunity to revive their survival hopes, but defensive fragility continues to undermine their efforts, particularly at home.

Lille’s current form is far from convincing, yet their strong record against newly promoted sides and historical dominance over Metz provide reasons for confidence. Even without full attacking resources, the visitors should be capable of creating enough chances to edge this contest.

A tight first half could give way to Lille’s superior quality as the game progresses.

Correct score prediction: Metz 0–2 Lille

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