Our prediction for this Ligue 1 match:
Stade Auguste-Delaune will host Sunday’s football game between Reims and Metz, the two teams who sit in the middle of the table ahead of Matchday 33. Reims played out a goalless draw with Nice at the weekend, with the team extending their unbeaten run to eight games, and, as a result, they are on the right track to secure the Ligue 1 survival. Valon Berisha remains on the sidelines with a long-term injury.
Les Grenats, on the other hand, suffered a dip in form, with the team losing each of their previous three league fixtures. Metz have slim chances of booking their place in the Europa League, and seeing that they have been struggling in front of goal of late, we are tempted to put our money on les Rouges et Blancs. The likes of Caillard, N’Doram, Pajot, Tchimbembe, Nguette, Niane, and Cabit are out of contention with injuries, which is yet another reason why home win should be considered.
Highlighted Player (Moussa Doumbia):
A Malian midfielder Moussa Doumbia has been with Russian side FK Rostov since 2014. The 22-year-old powerful midfielder started his career with Real Bamako in 2012. Doumbia spent two years playing for the Scorpions in the Malien Premiere Division, the top rank in the country. Russian side recognised his talent and made a transfer in 2014 tying Moussa Doumbia on a four-year deal.
During two seasons with Russian Premier League outfit, Doumbia was involved in 31 league matches. In 2015-16 season he contributed to his club’s runners-up finish with two goals of his own. Full-time Mali international made his national team debut in 2014 in a 3-1 victory over China in Shenzen.
His most recent international appearances occurred in September during an empathic 5-2 win over Benin in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Doumbia went on to score his team’s fifth goal with eleven minutes on the clock rounding off an impressive performance.
Highlighted Team (Metz):
Thanks to amalgamation of two amateur clubs Metz were founded in 1932 and soon they became a professional team. Les Grenats are one of the oldest professional teams in France, but they have yet to win the Ligue 1 trophy. Metz finished the 1997/1998 season in second place in the standings and it has to be noted that they were level on points with champions Lens (worse goal difference).
However, les Grenats won Coupe de France on two occasions (1983/1984, 1987/1988), with the team beating Monaco and Sochaux respectively in the title games. Emmanuel Adebayor is considered one of the most famous players who whore Metz jersey and you should know that the Togolese attacker scored 15 goals in 44 appearances in the league for the club.
Metz play their home games at Stade Saint-Symphorien, the venue which was opened back in September, 1923. Les Grenats wear red shirts and white shorts when playing at home, whilst the colour of their away kits is white.