Both Metz and Troyes will be searching for their first victory of the season on Sunday when they compete at the Stade Saint-Symphorien, as Ligue 1 football returns.
The visitors currently sit at the foot of the table following promotion, but a win could see them climb out of the relegation zone and overtake their opponents.
Match preview
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After being promoted into Ligue 1 back in 2019, Metz have been fairly comfortable in France's top flight, but so far they have been unable to secure a win this season.
They have only lost once so far in the league, as they were defeated 2-0 by Nantes in their second game of the campaign, which has proven to be the only fixture they have not scored in within the competition.
Metz have put together some thrilling encounters this season, and while they have drawn their other three matches they have all been exciting, especially the 3-3 against Lille on the opening day.
However, Frederic Antonetti was left disappointed by their most recent league fixture, which saw them draw 2-2 against Clermont, despite the fact they took a two-goal lead in the first half.
Metz did actually put together a friendly game during the international break, but that did not prove to be helpful in terms of a result, as they were beaten 3-0 by Auxerre.
However, the fact that they have played more recently in a competitive environment could be beneficial, especially when it comes to the fitness side of things.
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The two teams also met in pre-season, which was a game that saw Metz earn a 2-1 victory, and while that was a very different type of game it will no doubt provide a psychological advantage.
Troyes are in a desperate need of a confidence-boosting victory to remind them of their capabilities as they are currently on a seven-game streak without a win.
They were unable to take confidence from their draw against Strasbourg as they failed to find consecutive results after being defeated by AS Monaco during their last match.
Laurent Batlles's team find themselves sat bottom of Ligue 1 currently, and they have been relegated from the division immediately during their last four seasons in the top flight.
Troyes have failed to stay in the league for more than one season since 2006, which is something they are eager to set right, and a victory on Sunday could be the start of that as it would have the potential to lift them out of the danger zone.
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Team News
Despite the fact that Pape Sarr joined Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the transfer window, the winger will still be available for Metz after he re-joined the club on loan for this season from the Premier League outfit.
He will be joined in the attack by Ibrahima Niane, who is expected to lead the line, especially after scoring during their last Ligue 1 encounter with Clermont.
Troyes could be set to hand a debut to Adil Rami after he joined the club at the end of the transfer market, which would be a real boost of experience to the starting lineup.
Issa Kabore could also make his way back into the team, with the Manchester City loanee having missed the previous two fixtures.
Metz possible starting lineup:
Oukidja; Bronn, Kouyate, Niakate; Maiga, Pajot, Udol, Traore; Sarr, Gueye, Niane
Troyes possible starting lineup:
Gallon; Kabore, Rami, Salmier; Ripart, Kouame, Tardieu, Biancone; Balde, Chambost, Touzghar
We say: Metz 2-0 Troyes
Troyes might be looking at this game as one that could be perfect to get their first victory this season, but it is certainly going to be another tough test.
While Metz are also seeking out their first win, they have proven to be consistent in their performances, and they should have enough to get three points on Sunday.
Top tip
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Troyes win with a probability of 43.44%. A win for Metz had a probability of 30.04% and a draw had a probability of 26.5%.
The most likely scoreline for a Troyes win was 0-1 with a probability of 11.23%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 1-2 (8.85%) and 0-2 (7.89%). The likeliest Metz win was 1-0 (8.97%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (12.59%). The actual scoreline of 0-2 was predicted with a 7.9% likelihood. Our data analysis correctly predicted that Troyes would win this match.
