Two of last season’s promoted teams face each other in the top flight for the first time since 2008 in a match that, even at this early stage, could have big implications in the fight for survival.
Having stepped up from Ligue 2, both of these teams will have entered this campaign with staying alive as their mission. On that front, Metz have proved more successful so far, although, Nancy aren’t in major trouble just yet but, as they currently sit inside the relegation zone, things will begin to get nervy as we approach the half-way point.
From a betting point of view, although perhaps not the most obvious selection, the bet that is fancied here is ‘Both Teams to Score’ at odds of 11/10.
In recent weeks, these two have both acquitted themselves rather well and thus approach this match in good confidence. On top of this, it’s more than likely that both teams will be viewing this not only as a game that they can win but as game that they must win. Matches against the teams who’re likely to be in and around the lower rungs of the table often have significant baring on whether a team stays up or not.
In terms of ‘Both Teams to Score’ stats (Metz just one of out seven away, while Nancy just two out of seven at home) neither of these sides would stand out if they were playing different opposition, but, against each other, they are both fancied to find the net. The pair last met (Ligue 2) in a match of similar significance (this time in terms of promotion rather than relegation) and played out an open contest, one that finished with a 2-2 scoreline. A similar outcome in this match wouldn’t be at all surprising.
Scoring in each of their last four at home, totaling eight goals, Nancy have found their scoring touch on home soil in recent weeks, while Metz have performed well going forward in their recent away encounters. The visitors found the net on six occasions in their last two away fixtures. The fact that they scored three times last time out (at home) also bodes well. Such scoring form is likely to give Metz a real confidence boost ahead of this one and they really ought to fancy their chances of finding the net against a team who’ve kept only two clean sheets at home this season.
Whatever way you spin this one, with each side losing just once in their last five, it’s a hard match to call in terms of a winner, but there’s certainly reason to think that both will have a good go and thus backing ‘Both Teams to Score’ is the way to go.
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