Marseille vs Metz: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview

Marseille face bottom-placed Metz at the Stade Vélodrome on Friday evening. The hosts need a response after two straight defeats.

Marseille vs Metz: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview

Marseille sit fourth in Ligue 1. They are one point shy of third place. Recent form has been uneven at best.

Recent form and stakes

Les Phoceens lost 2-1 at home to Lille. They then fell 2-1 to Monaco, where Amine Gouiri scored late.

Habib Beye took charge in mid-February, replacing Roberto De Zerbi. Under Beye, Marseille have three wins and three defeats in six league matches.

Monaco sit level on points with Marseille but trail on goal difference. Lyon sit one point behind Marseille, with Rennes two points further back.

Metz struggles

Metz lie at the bottom of the table. They are 12 points from safety and face the real threat of relegation.

The Lorraine side have lost more league matches than any other team, with 19 defeats. Their winless streak in Ligue 1 stands at 16 matches.

Recent results include 0-0 draws with Rennes and Nantes. Metz failed to convert a late chance against Nantes after a potential winner was ruled out for offside.

Problems at both ends

Metz have failed to score in seven of their last nine top-flight games. They have also conceded a league-high 60 goals.

With eight points to make up for the relegation playoff and only six matches left, their path to survival is narrow.

Team News

Marseille face selection headaches ahead of the match. CJ Egan-Riley is doubtful with a thigh problem. Nayef Aguerd remains out after groin surgery.

Geoffrey Kondogbia will miss another game due to a thigh issue. Mason Greenwood is expected to return from a brief layoff and suspension.

For Metz, Joseph Mangondo is out all season with a knee injury. Benjamin Stambouli could miss out with a rib complaint.

Boubacar Traore is a doubt after missing three matches with a calf issue. Alpha Toure faces a late fitness check following a recent knock.

Lineups Preview

Managers have clear templates for the match. Below are the likely starting XIs based on recent selections.

• Marseille (possible): Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Medina; Weah, Hojbjerg, H. J. Traore, Timber, Paixao; Gouiri, Aubameyang.
• Metz (possible): Sy; Kouao, Sane, Mboula, Colin; Hein, Gbamin, Deminguet; Sarr, Diallo, Tsitaishvili.

Prediction

Marseille risk back-to-back home league defeats for the first time since November 2024. Facing the division’s weakest attack, they should avoid that fate.

Given Metz’s scoring struggles and defensive fragility, a comfortable win for Marseille is likely. Filmogaz.com expects a 3-0 victory for the hosts.