Lyon vs Metz Prediction & Betting Tips (23 August)

Winner on Sunday in Lens while keeping its inviolated cage 0-1, Olympique Lyonnais is already at the event of the event after a restless summer. The administrative relegation to Ligue 2 pronounced by the DNCG was avoided once the withdrawal of John Textor from the presidency of the acted club and the Rhone club worked well this summer to prepare for this new exercise. The Lyonnais signed 4 successes in 6 outings during friendly meetings and remained on a victory against Getafe 2-1 a week before the trip to Lens. 6th in Ligue 1 last season, OL will compete in the Europa League League phase.

 FC Metz, promoted after having taken the best on the Stade de Reims in the spring in a promotion/relegation dam, experienced a great first frustrating. The Grenats of Stéphane Le Mignan, well in place on the ground, were beaten on the wire, at home, in the derby which opposed them to the Racing Club of Strasbourg 0-1. A result that necessarily recalls the very heavy defeat conceded by the Messins two weeks ago against Hoffenheim 8-0, at the end of the summer preparation. 

Historically, Lyon have dominated this fixture, winning 19 of their last 26 meetings with Metz. The home side’s recent form supports that trend: five wins in their last six Ligue 1 matches at Groupama Stadium, scoring 15 goals in the process. Metz, by contrast, have lost three of their last four league games while conceding heavily. Lyon’s tactical discipline and superior squad depth suggest they’ll control possession and create more chances, especially with Thiago Almada and Rayan Cherki pulling strings in midfield. Metz may find joy on the counter, but their ability to sustain pressure remains questionable.

Given the current trajectory of both teams, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Lyon feels not only plausible but precise. Expect Lyon to strike early, likely through Lacazette, before Metz respond with a scrappy goal—perhaps from a set piece or a moment of individual brilliance. Lyon’s second goal may come late, sealing the win and reinforcing their status as early contenders in the league. While Metz will fight to stay competitive, the gulf in quality and cohesion should ultimately tilt the balance toward the hosts.