Sunday's Ligue 1 clash at the Allianz Riviera pits two teams in desperate need of points against each other, as Nice host Metz in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Nice currently sit in 16th place with 31 points, hovering just above the relegation zone. Claude Puel's side is coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to Auxerre, extending their worrying run of form. The home team has struggled for momentum at their own stadium, failing to win any of their last six matches there and conceding goals in each of their last five home games.
Things look even bleaker for Metz, who are rooted to 18th position with just 16 points. Benoît Tavenot's men were thumped 4-0 by FC Lorient in their last outing, and their away form makes for grim reading—just one win in their last 11 road trips, and currently on an eight-game winless streak away from home. In fact, Metz have managed only one victory in their last 23 matches overall and haven't tasted success in 18 consecutive games.
History offers little comfort for Nice, as the last meeting between these sides ended in a 2-1 victory for Metz. However, Claude Puel's personal record against Metz is strong, with 12 wins, nine draws, and just three defeats from 24 encounters. In contrast, Tavenot has faced Nice only once and lost.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Nice are expected to field a strong starting XI featuring goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf, with a defensive line of Antoine Mendy, Juma Bah, Kojo Peprah Oppong, and Jonathan Clauss. The midfield trio of Hicham Boudaoui, Salis Samed, and Ali Abdi will look to control the game, while Morgan Sanson, Mohamed-Ali Cho, and Sofiane Diop provide attacking threat.
Metz will likely line up with Pape Sy in goal, protected by Koffi Kouao, Terry Yegbe, Sadibou Sané, and Bouna Sarr. The midfield engine room of Jessy Deminguet, Jean Gbamin, and Gauthier Hein will need to be at their best, with Habib Diallo, Georgiy Tsitaishvili, and Giorgi Kvilitaia tasked with finding the back of the net.
Both sides enter this fixture with their backs against the wall. For Nice, a home win could provide a crucial lifeline in their battle to climb the table. For Metz, anything less than a victory would further deepen their relegation fears. With so much at stake, expect a hard-fought contest under the Riviera sun.