The first playoff match for a spot in Ligue 1 between Metz and Reims will take place on May 21 at the Stade Saint-Symphorien. Metz vs. Reims: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Metz
The club finished in 3rd place in the current Ligue 2 season, earning the right to compete for promotion to the top division. Metz reached the decisive stage of the playoffs by defeating Dunkerque 1-0 in the semi-final. Last season, the team was relegated from Ligue 1 after losing in the playoffs to Saint-Étienne (1-2, 2-2). Notably, in this Ligue 2 campaign, Metz suffered the fewest defeats among all clubs – 5 (18 wins, 11 draws). The team concluded the regular season with a solid positive goal difference of 64:34. At home, Stéphane Le Mignan's side lost only once this season in Ligue 2, winning 10 matches and drawing 6.
- Both teams scored in 10 of Metz's last 11 matches in Ligue 2 and playoff games.
- At least 3 goals were scored in 10 of the club's last 11 matches in these tournaments.
- At home, the team has not lost in 31 of their last 32 matches in the second division and playoff games (19 wins, 12 draws).
Predicted lineup for Metz (4-5-1)
Pape Sarr – Matthieu Udol, Yury-Michel Mboula, Sadibou Sane, Koffi Kouao – Alpha Touré, Jessy Deminguet, Morgan Bokelé, Gautier Hein, Pape Diallo – Cheikh Sabaly.
Reims
After suffering three consecutive defeats at the end of the championship, Reims finished in 16th place in Ligue 1. As a result, the team is forced to fight for survival in the elite division through the playoffs. Unlike Metz, Reims did not play in the preliminary stage of the playoffs, advancing directly to the final. In the current Ligue 1 season, the club won only 8 matches (9 draws, 17 losses), with only Montpellier winning fewer games (4). The club's attack was weak, scoring only 33 goals in the current championship, with only Angers (32) and Montpellier (23) scoring fewer. Additionally, Reims performed slightly better away, earning 17 points compared to 16 at home.
- Reims has not won in 20 of their last 23 matches in the French championship (7 draws, 13 losses).
- The club has not scored more than 1 goal in their last 5 matches in this tournament.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 7 of Reims' last 8 away matches in Ligue 1.
Predicted lineup for Reims (5-4-1)
Yehvann Diouf – Sergio Akieme, Cédric Kipré, Joseph Okumu, Hiroki Sakai, Aurélio Buta – Junya Ito, Mori Gbane, Amadou Koné, Valentin Atangana Edoa – Jordan Siebatcheu.
Referee
Hakim Ben El Hadj (France)
Matches – 20 (Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 82;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 28;
Penalties – 25%.
Metz vs. Reims: Match Prediction
The hosts narrowly overcame the previous playoff stage, defeating Dunkerque with a decisive goal in the 93rd minute. That match was also held at home, where Metz has performed exceptionally well this season, as previously noted. Throughout the Ligue 2 championship, the team lost only once at home, scoring 37 goals and conceding 15. Overall, Stéphane Le Mignan's side had a stable season, deservedly finishing in the top three.
However, the same cannot be said about Metz's upcoming opponent. Reims had a disastrous stretch in Ligue 1 from November to March, failing to win in 15 matches (6 draws, 9 losses). Afterward, the club improved and was in 13th place with a 5-point lead over the playoff zone with three rounds remaining. However, a poor end to the season saw Reims unexpectedly drop to 16th place, forcing the federation to reschedule the playoff dates, as they will play in the Coupe de France final against PSG on Saturday. This will undoubtedly affect the visitors' preparation for the upcoming match.
I doubt that Reims, caught in such an unforeseen situation, will be able to regroup. The club already had a poor season, and now faces a strong Metz side, which is excellent at home and has not lost in 31 of their last 32 matches in Ligue 2 and playoff games. Reims, meanwhile, has failed to win away in 10 of their last 11 matches in Ligue 1. Additionally, Metz has never lost to Reims at home in the new millennium in France's top two divisions (3 wins, 7 draws). I'm confident the hosts will not lose this time either. My prediction: Metz to win or draw.
