Reims vs Metz - 17/03/24 | Fast live stats

Reims vs Metz Prediction & Preview

Preview

This Sunday, the picturesque Stade Auguste-Delaune II sets the stage for an intriguing Ligue 1 clash between Reims and Metz as part of the competition's 26th round. With both teams experiencing mixed fortunes this season, this match promises to be a captivating encounter.

Reims, under the guidance of William Still, find themselves in a respectable 9th position with 35 points. Their recent form shows a balanced record of one win, two losses, and two draws from their last five matches. Notably, they managed to secure a commendable draw against Paris Saint-Germain in their last game - an impressive feat that ended with a scoreline of 2-2.

On the other side of the pitch stands Metz, led by László Bölöni. Positioned precariously at 17th in the table with just 23 points - dangerously close to relegation territory - every point now is vital for survival. Their form has been slightly better than Reims', having secured seven points from their last five games including a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory against Clermont in their most recent match.

When it comes to head-to-head matchups between these two teams, history suggests closely fought battles with one win apiece and three draws out of their last five encounters. Their most recent meeting ended in an evenly matched draw (2-2), hinting at yet another potentially tight contest.

Both sides have shown they can find the back of net but also have vulnerabilities in defense; Reims averages scoring at home significantly less than overall (0.75 goals per game at home versus an average score rate), while Metz manages to maintain its average away scoring rate (0.8 goals per game). This could suggest tactics or performances change when playing on familiar turf compared to on-the-road challenges.

Bet

Given both teams' current form and historical results which lean towards closely contested matches along with insights into each team's scoring abilities and defensive challenges – particularly noting Reims' slight dip in goal-scoring prowess when at home – this fixture might not be high-scoring as some would expect.

However considering that both teams tend to concede more than they would like (with averages around or above one goal conceded per game), combined with oddsmakers leaning slightly towards there being over 2.5 goals scored during this match; it still poses somewhat of a betting conundrum given both sides’ unpredictable nature this season.

Taking into account all factors including odds value versus winning chances; my recommendation leans toward Under 2.5 Goals as being potentially more consistent with historical performance patterns seen between these two clubs especially given how close many prior meetings have been alongside current forms indicating potential for tight gameplay rather than an open high-scoring affair.