Metz vs Lille Prediction & Betting Tips (6 February)

Defeated last weekend for the third time in a row in Ligue 1, Metz remains stuck at the bottom of the standings and is 8 points behind the non-relegation leader. This setback, conceded to Angers 1-0, follows that to Strasbourg 2-1 in the derby and another, heavier one, against Lyon 2-5. The change of coach made last month, with Benoit Tavenot to succeed Stéphane Le Mignan, is not bearing fruit for the moment. Worst defense in the elite, the Garnets are getting a little closer to a return to Ligue 2 less than a year after leaving it. LOSC is also in bad shape at the start of the year.

Beaten successively by Rennes 0-2, PSG 3-0 and Strasbourg 1-4, the northern club stopped its bad luck last week, by beating Friborg 1-0 in the Europa League, but immediately plunged back. Having left Lyon empty-handed 1-0 on Sunday, the Mastiffs have lost their last 4 Ligue 1 matches and see a gap of 7 points widening with the top 4. A possible qualification for the next Champions League is slipping away for Lille, 5th after 20 days. 

Metz is without replacement goalkeeper Sy and young striker Mangondo as has been the case for several months. Absences to which is added central defender Gbamin (starter), suspended. Experienced in his left lane, defender Ballo-Touré returns to his former club this Friday. Captain Hein (6 goals, 4 assists) and Diallo (4 goals) will be in good shape in the zone of truth. They are the cornerstones of an offensive sector which lost this winter Madjo (Aston Villa), Mbaye (Zulte Waregem), Bokele (Dunkirk) and Ibou Sané (Amiens), who were all content with supporting roles. Still at the front, the club has strengthened with the Georgian international Kvilitaia (ex Aris Limassol) and the young Michal (on loan from Monaco). Right back Bouna Sarr has returned to his training club and could make his debut against LOSC.

The Lille infirmary is full. There are several potential starters who will have to forfeit: Igamane (5 goals in L1), Ethan Mbappé (3 goals in L1) for whom an end to the season is feared, Bentaleb (midfielder), Meunier (right side) and Sahraoui (1 goal in L1). They are added to the usual absentees Ousmane Touré, Caillard and André Gomes, also out. LOSC loaned little-used midfielder Raghouber to Levante this winter while strengthening in attack with former Auxerre player Perrin and French Espoirs international Edjouma (ex Toulouse), who are applying for a first appearance in the group. Fernandez-Pardo (3 goals in L1) scored, two weeks ago, the only goal for his team in the last 4 Championship matches. 

• Summary: Metz is going head to head with Lille starting on 6 Feb 2026 at 19:45 UTC at Stade Saint Symphorien stadium, Metz city, France. The match is a part of the Ligue 1 .
• Referee: Guillaume Paradis
• Metz Feedinco Rating: 6.67
• Lille Feedinco Rating: 6.80