Metz - St Etienne predictions and free betting tips [02/06/2024]

On Sunday, 2nd June, Metz will host Saint-Étienne in the second leg of the Ligue 1 play-off. Last Thursday, the Green-Whites (Saint-Étienne) triumphed with a 2:1 victory, putting them on the brink of returning to the top division.

Stadium

The match will take place at Stade Saint-Symphorien in Metz.

Metz

After suffering a defeat at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard last Thursday evening, Metz finds itself on the edge of the abyss. Despite superior ball possession and more shots on goal, the Maroon-Whites were defeated and now must win at all costs in the return leg at home (2:1). It's important to note that Metz has been in crisis for several weeks, ending their domestic campaign with a series of defeats: Lille (1:2), Rennes (2:3), Strasbourg (2:1), and PSG (0:2), putting them on the brink of relegation. Additionally, Metz managed to accumulate just 12 points throughout the season at home—the worst record in Ligue 1 alongside Nantes. 

Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne is on the cusp of their coveted goal: the team from Le Forez, having been relegated two years ago, secured a win last Thursday with the backing of their home fans (2:1). This victory also appeased supporters after recent poor performances in the league, where Olivier Dall’Oglio's side finished 3rd, trailing Auxerre and Angers due to a string of poor results against Guingamp (2:2), Rodez (1:1), and Quevilly Rouen Métropole (2:1).

A few days after the domestic league ended, Saint-Étienne brushed aside Rodez in the first round of the play-offs (2:0). Notably, Saint-Étienne boasts the most reliable defence on the road in Ligue 2, conceding 17 goals in 19 away matches. However, the Green-Whites have somewhat faltered in their away form of late, winning just one of their last four away matches. The same players from Thursday's lineup are absent for Saint-Étienne. 

Head-to-Head

Saint-Étienne's last success on Metz’s turf came in March 2015, when Christophe Galtier's side won 2:3; since then, the hosts have gone six matches unbeaten at home against the Green-Whites.

Match Prediction: Metz vs Saint-Étienne

Following their victory on Thursday evening, the visitors hold a psychological advantage and will travel to their opponents' ground with the sole aim of preserving their slim advantage while counterattacking dangerously. The hosts have underperformed at home in recent weeks and are in a spring slump, so I predict Saint-Étienne will not lose.

Total Prediction

Metz have scored only two goals in their last three matches, while the visitors possess the best away defence in Ligue 2. I predict Metz's individual total under 1.5 goals.

Corner Prediction

Metz will have to play more aggressively and attack more often. I bet on the hosts to win the corners count.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Both teams are prepared to leave everything on the field, with a place in France’s top division at stake. Bet on the total yellow cards over 3.5.

Score Prediction

I'll bet on a scoreline of 1:2 in favour of Saint-Étienne.