Reims vs Metz

With a Ligue 1 spot on the line, Reims will look to secure a positive result in the second leg of their relegation playoff against Ligue 2 side Metz at Stade Auguste Delaune on Thursday.

In the first leg on May 21, the two teams drew 1-1, with Metz taking the lead through Matthieu Udol in the first half before Cedric Kipre leveled the score for Reims after the break.

Reims struggled to create scoring opportunities in the first leg, managing only one significant chance and just two shots from open play inside the penalty area.

The hosts have been in poor scoring form, failing to find the net in four of their last six matches, including a 3-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France final on May 24.

Under manager Samba Diawara, Reims ended the Ligue 1 campaign in 16th place with 33 points, a drop of 14 points compared to the previous season.

Reims’ supporters have reason for concern, as the team is winless in their last six matches, with four defeats in that stretch.

The side has also lost five of their past seven games, securing only two victories, and managed just one win in their previous seven outings while suffering three losses.

Metz, meanwhile, also created just one clear-cut chance in the first leg but were more threatening, generating six shots from open play inside the box.

Manager Stephane Le Mignan will be encouraged by his team’s recent attacking form, having scored eight goals in their last four matches.

However, Metz have failed to beat Reims in their last three encounters, drawing two of those games.

The visitors have been tough to defeat, losing only one of their last 12 matches while winning seven.

Metz have also been impressive on the road, claiming victory in five of their past seven away games.