Metz vs Lyon Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 25 January

Metz will host Lyon at the Stade Saint-Symphorien this Sunday, 25 January, in what promises to be an intriguing Ligue 1 encounter. This match is crucial for both teams as they navigate their respective campaigns in the French top flight. The phrase ‘Metz vs Lyon Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips’ highlights the importance of this fixture, offering insights into potential outcomes and betting angles.

Metz, playing at home, will be looking to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over Lyon. Meanwhile, Lyon, a club with a rich history in Ligue 1, will aim to assert their dominance and secure vital points away from home. The Stade Saint-Symphorien will be the stage for this clash, where both teams will be eager to showcase their strengths and improve their league positions.

Metz vs Lyon Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Lyon -1.50 in 1st Half (Asian Handicap)	5.75

Considering Lyon’s recent form and Metz’s struggles, our recommended betting tip is Lyon -1.5 Asian handicap in the first half. Lyon’s ability to start strong and Metz’s defensive issues make this a strong option.

• Lyon have consistently scored early and controlled first halves, exploiting defensive gaps.
• Metz have conceded most of their goals late but struggle throughout, showing vulnerability.
• Lyon’s high intensity and quick passing make them likely to build an early lead.

Betting Odds

Lyon head into this Ligue 1 clash as the clear favourites with betting odds of 1.71, reflecting their superior form and squad depth. Metz, playing at home, are priced at 4.56, which might tempt those looking for an upset, especially considering their potential to surprise on their day.

Betting Tip	Odds
Metz to win	4.56
Draw	3.85
Lyon to win	1.71

The draw is offered at 3.85, suggesting that while Lyon are expected to dominate, there’s still a chance for a closely contested match. Bettors might also explore the over 2.5 goals market, given both teams’ attacking capabilities.

Metz Analysis & Past Performance

Metz’s recent form has been less than stellar, managing only one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their sole victory came in the Coupe de France against ASC Biesheim (3-0), while they suffered defeats to Strasbourg (1-2) and Montpellier (0-4) and secured a draw against Lorient (1-1).

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Strasbourg	Metz	2 – 1 (Defeat)	Ligue 1	18 Jan 2026
Metz	Montpellier	0 – 4 (Defeat)	Coupe de France	11 Jan 2026
Lorient	Metz	1 – 1 (Draw)	Ligue 1	4 Jan 2026
ASC Biesheim	Metz	0 – 3 (Victory)	Coupe de France	20 Dec 2025
Metz	Paris Saint-Germain	2 – 3 (Defeat)	Ligue 1	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In the past five games, Metz have averaged 1.40 goals per match, while conceding 2.00 goals on average. This has resulted in just one clean sheet during this period, indicating a vulnerability in their defence. Offensively, Gauthier Hein stands out as a key player, being the team’s top scorer with 6 goals this season. However, their inability to consistently capitalise on scoring opportunities remains a concern.

Team Statistics:

• LLDWL

Metz have played 18 league games this season, sitting in 18th position with just 12 points. Their win ratio is a mere 17%, reflective of a challenging campaign. Despite scoring in 12 of these matches, defensive lapses have led to goals conceded in 15 games, highlighting a pressing need for defensive improvement. At home, Metz have a slightly better record, winning 2 out of 8 matches, but they still face difficulties in maintaining a winning momentum.

Metz Suspensions & Injuries

Metz will be without Boubacar Traoré due to illness, sidelining him for about a week. This absence could affect their midfield dynamism, as Traoré’s ability to break up play and transition quickly has been a key feature of Metz’s approach. In his place, Jean-Philippe Gbamin is likely to take on a more defensive role, supported by Jessy Deminguet in central midfield. This adjustment might see Metz adopting a slightly more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining possession and defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Boubacar Traoré	Illness	About a week

With no suspensions affecting the squad, coach Stéphane Le Mignan can maintain his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation without major disruptions. However, the absence of Traoré may prompt Metz to emphasise a more controlled build-up from the back, relying on the technical skills of Malick Mbaye and Gauthier Hein to create opportunities.

The impact on the betting markets could see Metz’s odds lengthening slightly due to Traoré’s absence, as his contributions in midfield have been crucial for their balance and defensive transitions. Bettors might need to consider the potential for a more cautious game plan from Metz, possibly affecting the match’s overall tempo and goal-scoring opportunities.

Metz Key Players

Gauthier Hein stands out as Metz’s top scorer with 6 goals this season, playing a pivotal role in their attacking strategies. His ability to find spaces and convert chances makes him a key threat against Lyon. Hein’s partnership with forward Ibou Sané is crucial, as Hein often delivers precise passes that Sané can capitalise on. Sané’s pace and physicality in the forward line offer Metz a dynamic edge, making them dangerous on counter-attacks.

In midfield, Jean-Philippe Gbamin is set to be instrumental with his robust defensive capabilities and ability to transition play from defence to attack. His presence allows playmakers like Jessy Deminguet and Giorgi Tsitaishvili to push forward and create opportunities. The defensive line, anchored by Maxime Colin and Fodé Ballo-Touré, will be vital in maintaining a solid backline against Lyon’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Metz

• Goalkeeper: Jonathan Fischer
• Defence: Maxime Colin, Terry Yegbe, Fodé Ballo-Touré, Sadibou Sané
• Midfield: Jessy Deminguet, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Malick Mbaye, Gauthier Hein, Giorgi Tsitaishvili
• Forward: Ibou Sané

Metz Tactics and Formation

Metz Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Ibou Sané
• Midfield Pivot: Jessy Deminguet and Jean-Philippe Gbamin
• Defensive Strength: Struggles with clean sheets, conceding in five of the last six games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and quick transitions.

Metz’s 4-2-3-1 formation is structured to provide stability in the midfield while allowing for dynamic offensive plays. With Jessy Deminguet and Jean-Philippe Gbamin anchoring the midfield, they offer a blend of defensive coverage and playmaking ability. Gauthier Hein, as the attacking midfielder, plays a pivotal role in linking the play to the forward line.

Defensively, the team consists of Maxime Colin and Fodé Ballo-Touré as full-backs, with Terry Yegbe and Sadibou Sané centralising the defence. However, the team has struggled to maintain clean sheets, with recent performances highlighting vulnerabilities against counter-attacks.

Offensively, Metz rely heavily on Ibou Sané’s presence as the focal point in attack, supported by the creative inputs from Hein and Giorgi Tsitaishvili on the wings. Their strategy often involves controlling the midfield and executing quick transitions to catch opponents off guard, although this has not consistently translated into securing wins.

Lyon Analysis & Past Performance

Lyon have demonstrated exceptional form recently, securing five consecutive victories across all competitions. Their recent performances include a significant 1-0 win over BSC Young Boys in the Europa League and a crucial 2-1 triumph against Brest in Ligue 1.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
BSC Young Boys	Lyon	0 – 1 (Win)	Europa League	22 Jan, 2026
Lyon	Brest	2 – 1 (Win)	Ligue 1	18 Jan, 2026
Lille	Lyon	1 – 2 (Win)	French Cup	11 Jan, 2026
Monaco	Lyon	1 – 3 (Win)	Ligue 1	3 Jan, 2026
Lyon	St Cyr Collonges au Mont d’Or	3 – 0 (Win)	French Cup	21 Dec, 2025

Recent Form:

• WWWWW

Lyon’s attack has been highly effective, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 0.60 goals per game and managed 2 clean sheets in this period, highlighting their defensive resilience. Despite their overall strong performance, their away record is slightly less dominant, with 4 wins and 1 loss in their last 5 away fixtures, maintaining an 80% win ratio on the road.

Lyon Suspensions & Injuries

Lyon face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries. Ernest Nuamah, sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, is a significant loss for Lyon. His pace and ability to stretch defences have been a critical component of Lyon’s attacking play. The absence of Malick Fofana, suffering from an ankle injury, further depletes their options on the wings. Rachid Ghezzal’s groin injury also means Lyon will miss his creativity and experience in midfield.

The tactical impact of these absences cannot be underestimated. Lyon’s coach, Paulo Fonseca, will likely need to rely more heavily on the available players in the starting lineup, such as Endrick and Afonso Moreira, to step up and fill the void left by these injuries. The midfield might see Tanner Tessmann and Tyler Morton taking on more creative responsibilities in Ghezzal’s absence.

With limited options on the bench, Lyon’s squad depth will be tested, and Fonseca may need to adjust his formation slightly to compensate for the missing players. A more conservative approach or a shift in formation might be necessary to maintain balance and defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ernest Nuamah	Cruciate ligament injury	Early February 2026
Malick Fofana	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
Rachid Ghezzal	Groin injury	Early February 2026

Lyon Key Players

Lyon’s attacking prowess is spearheaded by Pavel Šulc, the team’s top scorer with 8 goals this season. Šulc, operating from midfield, is pivotal not just for his scoring ability but also for his playmaking skills. His vision and precise passing can unlock defences, making him a dual threat to Metz. Alongside him, the young sensation Endrick, leading the forward line, brings a dynamic edge with his pace and finishing ability, posing constant danger to the opposition’s backline.

In midfield, Tanner Tessmann and Tyler Morton are crucial. Tessmann’s defensive solidity and Morton’s ability to dictate the tempo are integral to Lyon’s control over the game. On the defensive end, Ruben Kluivert, partnering with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, will be key in maintaining the defensive structure. Kluivert’s aerial ability and Maitland-Niles’ versatility provide a balanced defensive setup. Nicolás Tagliafico’s attacking runs from the back add another dimension to Lyon’s game.

Expected lineup for Lyon:

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif
• Defenders: Clinton Mata, Ruben Kluivert, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Nicolás Tagliafico
• Midfielders: Tanner Tessmann, Pavel Šulc, Tyler Morton, Abner
• Forwards: Endrick, Afonso Moreira

Lyon Tactics and Formation

Lyon Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-1-2
• Key Forward: Endrick
• Midfield Focus: Tanner Tessmann and Tyler Morton
• Defensive Setup: Clean sheets in two of the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and building from the back.

Lyon’s 4-3-1-2 formation allows them to dominate possession with a diamond midfield, spearheaded by Pavel Šulc as the central attacking midfielder. Tanner Tessmann and Tyler Morton provide the necessary balance in central midfield, ensuring defensive cover and facilitating transitions to attack.

Defensively, the back four, led by Ruben Kluivert and Nicolás Tagliafico, aim to maintain a compact shape, which has been effective in achieving clean sheets in two of their last five matches. The full-backs, Clinton Mata and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, support both defensive duties and wide offensive ventures.

Offensively, Lyon focus on maintaining possession and building play from the back. With Endrick and Afonso Moreira leading the line, the team is adept at creating opportunities through intricate passing and movement, particularly effective in breaking down tight defences.

Metz vs Lyon Head-to-Head Record

When it comes to the head-to-head record between Metz and Lyon, it’s clear that Lyon have been the dominant side with 21 wins compared to Metz’s 5, alongside 5 draws. The last time these two met, Lyon cruised to a 3-0 victory at home in Ligue 1 back in August 2025.

The last encounter at Stade Saint-Symphorien saw Lyon edge out a 2-1 win in February 2024. Despite Metz’s home advantage, Lyon’s recent form in this fixture suggests they have the upper hand, especially in Ligue 1 clashes.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Lyon	Metz	3 – 0	Ligue 1	2025-08-23
Metz	Lyon	1 – 2	Ligue 1	2024-02-23
Lyon	Metz	1 – 1	Ligue 1	2023-11-05
Lyon	Metz	2 – 1	Coupe de France	2023-01-07
Metz	Lyon	3 – 2	Ligue 1	2022-05-08