Metz vs Clermont Prediction & Betting Tips (10 March)

Often considered too strong for Ligue 2 but not at the elite level, FC Metz is once again confirming this theory this season since it finds itself, 10 days before the end of this 2023-2024 financial year, in 17th position in the ranking with 3 units behind the play-off and 4 behind the first non-relegation team. Completely in the lurch since the beginning of December, the newly promoted team had suffered a series of defeats and had only taken one small point over the last 10 days. But after having suffered two last defeats against Montpellier 3-0 and Lyon 1-2, the Grenats regained some hope by winning against Nantes 0-2 last weekend. Opposite, Clermont Foot is in a position even less favorable than that of his opponent of the day since he finds himself having to bring up the rear in the ranking.

Never really in good shape this year, this team has only taken 17 points during the 24 days played so far and it is still quite significantly behind by 7 points on the first non-relegation team. The latest results from Auvergnats do not really encourage optimism. Largely beaten in Rennes 3-1, they were able to take a point by holding off Nice 0-0 before sinking against OM last Saturday 1-5.

The important Jallow (3 goals) and the starting midfielder N'Doram will still not be able to appear in Laszlo Bölöni's group this weekend. The disappointing striker Tetteh (0 goals) and the starting central defender Traoré are also forced to withdraw at the moment. Decisive from the penalty spot at La Beaujoire last weekend, Georgian striker Mikautadze scored his 4th goal of the season, making him Metz's top scorer despite spending half a season with Ajax. The second scorer last weekend was left-back Udol (3 goals) on an assist from Mikautadze. Opposite, coach Pascal Gastien still deplores the absences of young Mabrouk and Berkani who are all bothered by physical problems.

In addition, former Lyonnais and midfielder Gonalons and disappointing replacement Kyei are doubtful after being withdrawn against OM, and defender Caufriez is back from suspension. Up front, Jamaican striker Nicholson remains the most prolific player on this team with only 4 goals. Against OM, it was former Phocaean and Niortais Boutobba who scored his team's only goal, his first in the elite.