Reims vs. Metz: Ligue 1 Play-off Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

Reims, a top-flight club, will play host to Metz, a team from Ligue 2, in Thursday's second leg of their relegation playoff game. The stakes are high: a spot in Ligue 1 is on the line.

Matthieu Udol put Thursday's visitors in front in the first half of the May 21 first-leg match against Metz, but Cedric Kipre scored the equaliser in the second half to keep the score tied.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

In the first match, the home team had only one decent opportunity and two attempts inside the box, neither of which came from a set piece.

In their last six matches, Reims have gone scoreless four times. Their most recent loss was a 3-0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France final on May 24.

Their final Ligue 1 point total of 33 was 14 lower than their previous season's total, and manager Samba Diawara's squad completed the season in 16th place.

Coming into Thursday's matchup with a four-game losing streak, fans will be understandably worried about the team's form.

In addition to losing three of their last four games, Reims have lost five of their past seven overall. They have won twice in that span.

Metz, the other team, had only one good opportunity in the first leg as well, although they did manage six shots on goal from within the penalty area.

With eight goals scored in their last four games, coach Stephane Le Mignan has to be delighted with his team's offensive play.

The guests have failed to secure a victory in three meetings against the home team, drawing twice.

Metz is a formidable opponent; in their last 12 games, they have lost just once and won seven times.

The team's performance away from home has been as impressive, with five wins in their last seven games.

Reims x Metz Team News

Hiroki Sekine, Cedric Kipre, Joseph Okumu, and Sergio Akieme may start in the back four for Reims, much as they did in the first leg.

Due to an ankle injury, midfielder Yaya Fofana will be unable to play on Thursday, which means that Mory Gbane and Valentin Edoa will likely retain their starting positions.

On the offensive end, potential assailants may be Wide receivers John Patrick and Keito Nakamura, who might provide help for Ange Tia and Jordan Siebatcheu.

Metz, meanwhile, is healthy enough to start Sadibou Sane and Urie-Michel Mboula in central defence in front of custodian Pape Sy.

To back up Gauthier Hein and Cheick Tidiane Sabaly, the most probable alternatives would be midfielders Benjamin Stambouli and Jessy Deminguet.

Our Predictions

Metz to win @ 3.25 on Sky247.ng

Although Reims has won their last few matches against Metz, they haven't had much luck recently.

It would not be surprising if Metz secured promotion to Ligue 1 on Thursday, given that they were the more dangerous team in the first match.

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