Reims vs Metz Predictions

• Metz dominated possession and created more chances in the first leg (1-1).
• Reims lost the Coupe de France final at the weekend.
• Reims are winless in six (D2, L4).

Metz can send Reims down

The Ligue 1 promotion/relegation play-off is finely poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg but Reims have endured another blow since that fixture.

The hosts suffered cup final heartache over the weekend as they were outclassed by PSG in a 3-0 defeat at the Strade de France.

Reims were 3-0 down by half-time in that cup final and they manage just one shot on target over the course of the game, and they may struggle to pick themselves up again for this key fixture.

Metz went down via the relegation play-off last season, losing their Ligue 1 place to Saint Etienne, so they know exactly how it feels to lose this fixture and that could be enough motivation to get the job done against Reims on Thursday.

In terms of quality, there wasn’t much between these sides in the first leg and on the balance of play Metz were unlucky not to win. Reims have home advantage in the return fixture, but Metz are strong travellers and they had the best road record in Ligue 2 this season so as underdogs they look backable.

Clean sheets have been an issue for the visitors and they have conceded in 12 of their last 13 games. Metz may have to score twice to get a win over the line in 90 minutes and a 2-1 win for the visitors is the correct score prediction.