Le Havre vs. Metz – News and Probable Lineups

Failure to secure a win this weekend may seal Metz’s fate as they head northwest to confront a Le Havre team aiming to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

With four matches remaining, the visitors from Lorraine find themselves at the bottom of the Ligue 1 standings, ten points behind the playoff position — their only hope for a better finish — while their hosts in Normandy are 14th, five points clear of 16th place.

Match overview

Le Havre has narrowly avoided the playoff spots for two consecutive seasons since their return to the French top division in 2023-24 and are once again embroiled in a familiar late-season struggle for survival, significantly affected by their current lack of victories.

Le Havre has not managed to win in their last eight games (4 draws, 4 losses), with only Sunday’s opponents enduring a longer winless streak (18), despite Didier Digard’s team recently showing some resilience, avoiding defeat in their last three fixtures.

Much like their matches against Auxerre and Nice, Le Club Doyen ended up recording a third consecutive 1-1 draw during their recent visit to Angers, where an early goal by Sofiane Boufal was equalized by Prosper Peter in the 28th minute, with Le Havre holding on for a point after Arouna Sangante received a red card.

Digard’s team has managed to both score and concede in each of their last four matches, but there remains a notable imbalance, indicated by the 38 goals conceded compared to just 25 scored — which is the lowest total in the league.

However, returning to Stade Oceane may be a positive factor for Le Havre, whose only home league defeat in their past eight matches since late November came at the hands of table-toppers Paris Saint-Germain, winning three during this span.

On the other hand, Metz faced their 21st loss of the Ligue 1 season with a 3-1 defeat to Paris FC last weekend, where Giorgi Kvilitaia’s equalizer in the 31st minute was insufficient as Benoit Tavenot’s squad conceded twice after the break, further highlighting their defensive weaknesses.

This defeat has brought Metz’s total goals conceded in Ligue 1 to a league-high 66 — a staggering 10 more than any other team — with three or more goals allowed in seven of their last 12 encounters, including a 3-1 loss to Marseille, who are chasing European qualification, before their last match.

Notably, Metz has only managed to earn points in their last 12 outings when they have kept a clean sheet — achieving goalless draws against Lille, Rennes, and Nantes — which suggests that any positive result this weekend hinges largely on their defensive discipline, although improvements in their attacking play are also necessary.

In a vulnerable position, the Maroons could face relegation even before kick-off if results go against them elsewhere, but even if they escape that immediate threat, losing this match would confirm their descent to Ligue 2, continuing Les Grenats’ recent trend of alternating between the top two divisions.

Traveling does not offer much encouragement either, as Metz has suffered 13 losses in their 15 away league matches this season (1 win, 2 draws), the worst record in the league, though their last visit to Le Havre — part of a four-match unbeaten streak in this fixture — gives the fans a glimmer of hope.

Team News

Le Havre will be without captain Abdoulaye Toure, who is still recovering from knee surgery, while Felix Mambimbi is also unavailable due to a similar injury, missing a fourth consecutive match.

Additionally, defender Sangante has received a two-match ban following his recent red card, leading to the possible inclusion of Timothee Pembele in the back three, although Stephan Zagadou is another potential option.

Boufal made his return to the starting lineup last weekend after coming off the bench in the previous fixture and is expected to retain his role here following his significant contribution against Angers, likely partnering with Issa Soumare and Mbwana Ally Samatta in attack.

Metz will continue to miss midfielder Boubacar Traore and full-back Maxime Colin, both of whom are sidelined with calf injuries, while Joseph Mangondo and Believe Munongo are still recovering from knee problems.

Giorgi Abuashvili might also be ruled out for a second consecutive match due to a muscle issue, and Habib Diallo remains a notable doubt after being substituted in the first half of last week’s loss to Paris.

Le Havre probable starting XI:

Damn; Pembele, Seko, Lloris; Doucoure, Gourna-Douath, Boufal, Ndiaye, Zouaoui; Samatta, Soumare

Metz probable starting XI:

Mother; Kouao, Sane, Yegbe, Mboula; Deminguet, Gbamin; Mbala, Hein, Tsitaishvili; Kvilitaia

The result of the fixture between Lyon and Angers a day prior may have implications for this match, potentially determining Metz’s relegation status or providing them with renewed hope for survival.

Regardless of that outcome, this particular fixture still appears to favor Le Havre, whose strong home record and return to familiar territory should give them a crucial advantage.