The Ligue 1 promotion/relegation playoff final is set to be an intense battle as Saint-Etienne and Metz face off for a coveted spot in France's top football division.
The first leg takes place at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Here, we delve into predictions, team news, and form ahead of this crucial match.
Match Preview
Saint-Etienne's Journey
Saint-Etienne narrowly missed automatic promotion, finishing third in Ligue 2.
They secured their place in the playoff final with a decisive 2-0 victory over Rodez AF, thanks to goals from Irvin Cardona and Nathanael Mbuku.
The team, under head coach Olivier Dall'Oglio, has been formidable at home, losing only five times and conceding just 14 goals this season.
Metz's Struggle for Survival
Metz avoided direct relegation from Ligue 1 by the slimmest of margins, finishing 16th due to a superior head-to-head record.
Despite ending the season on a four-game losing streak, including a 2-0 defeat to PSG, they enter the playoffs determined to retain their top-flight status.
Metz's defensive frailties, especially in the first half of matches, have been a significant concern.
Team News
Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne is expected to field a similar lineup to the one that triumphed over Rodez.
Key players include goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur and midfielder Thomas Monconduit, both recently returned from injury.
Striker Ibrahim Sissoko, with 13 goals this season, will lead the attack, supported by in-form loanees Irvin Cardona and Nathanael Mbuku.
Predicted Lineup
Larsonneur; Macon, Batubinsika, Nade, Petrot; Cardona, Moueffek, Monconduit, Chambost, Cafaro; Sissoko
Metz
Metz will rely on the offensive prowess of Georges Mikautadze, who has been instrumental despite their struggles.
However, they will miss Ablie Jallow, Benjamin Tetteh, and Joel Asoro due to injuries.
The team's defence, led by Alexandre Oukidja in goal, will need to be resilient to withstand Saint-Etienne's attacks.
Predicted Lineup
Oukidja; Colin, Herelle, Sane, Udol; Camara, Jacques, N'Doram; Van Den Kerkhof, Mikautadze, Diallo
Predictions
Form Analysis
Saint-Etienne enters this match in relatively better form, with two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six games.
Conversely, Metz has lost their last four Ligue 1 matches, reflecting their struggles in the top division.
Prediction
Given Saint-Etienne's strong home record and Metz's defensive vulnerabilities, a win for
Saint-Etienne seems likely. However, Metz's attacking threats mean they could secure a draw if they capitalize on Saint-Etienne's occasional defensive lapses.
Our Prediction: Saint-Etienne 2-1 Metz
Saint-Étienne 
Metz 
