Metz vs Toulouse Prediction & Betting Tips - Ligue 1

Prediction published on 14/01/2024, 00:42  by Joseph King in Ligue 1 Predictions

A potential relegation six-pointer is in store for matchday 18 of the French Ligue 1 as 14th-place Metz host 16th-place Toulouse. These two are separated by just two points in the standings with Toulouse currently occupying the relegation playoff position. The three points in this match could be significant come the end of the season as both teams look to separate themselves from the bottom three. Metz come into this fixture off the back of a penalty shootout defeat to Clermont Foot in the French Cup last weekend. It marked an unwelcome return to play after the winter break which saw the Maroons lose their last four consecutive league fixtures prior to the holiday period. The hosts have really struggled to pick up positive results even in front of their home support. Metz have just a single win in their eight home matches while finding the back of the net just seven times.

Toulouse were able to return from the break with a 3-0 away win over lower-division side Chambery in the French Cup last weekend. The victory snapped a three match losing run for Les Violets whose prior win came in the Conference League over LASK. Domestically, it’s been a disappointing first half of the season for the team that finished 13th last season and was crowned champions of the Coupe de France. Their commitments to the Conference League looks to have taken its toll on their league form. Toulouse are winless in the French top flight for over three months with their last victory coming on October 1st. In those 10 winless Ligue 1 fixtures, Toulouse had managed to draw five with the other five ending in defeat. The goals simply haven’t been there for the visitors this season as they’ve found the net only 15 times, the second-lowest mark in the division.