Nimes vs Metz Predictions

Nîmes extended their winless run to seven matches last week as the slumped to a 1-0 defeat in Angers. The Crocodiles currently sit bottom of Ligue 1 and look extremely bereft of confidence with pressure beginning to build on players and manager Bernard Blaquart alike. The Stade des Costiérés side are usually known for their fantastic attacking qualities but that could not be further from the case this season as they have created the least chances of any team in Ligue 1 since their last win.

They have scored just eleven goals in 14 league games and have conceded eight goals in their last five league matches. Nîmes have played two less games at home than most teams due to postponements but they have been considerably more impressive at the Costiérés in the few games they have hosted there. The Crocodiles have lost just one of their last five games in all competitions at home, winning three and scoring eight times.

Metz will be looking at this record with fear as they have no such stats to rely on as they travel to the south of France. Les Grenats currently sit third bottom in Ligue 1 and are winless in their last five matches. They have slightly improved in their last three matches though with draws against Montpellier (2-2), Lille (0-0) and Reims (1-1) bringing them some much-needed points and a bit more belief.

That confidence is at risk of completely bleeding away here though as Metz will be the away side for this one. Les Grenats have conceded ten goals in their seven away games this season and have one of the worst records in the division, losing four and winning just one of their matches on the road. They have scored just twice in this time, the least of any team in Ligue 1 and another defeat could be on the horizon here as they travel to face Nîmes.

Nîmes haven’t been playing well in recent weeks but will welcome the security of the Stade des Costiérés with open arms as they host this match. They have won three of their last five games there, conceding just twice in that time so we’re backing them to get the win in this high-stakes match at the bottom of the table. Metz have really struggled to score away from home this season so we’re backing this match to finish 1-0 to the hosts. We’re also backing both teams not to score in this match as the market has won in four of Nîmes’ last five home games and in each of Metz’s last six away outings.