Metz vs Lorient – News and Probable Lineups

Metz, who have already been relegated, are set to welcome Lorient in the second-to-last round of the Ligue 1 season on Sunday, aiming for their first win of 2026.

Since Benoit Tavenot’s appointment at the beginning of 2026, he has yet to oversee a league victory, but the home side is hopeful of finding some joy in their final game of the season at Stade Saint-Symphorien.

Match overview

Both Metz and Lorient achieved promotion from Ligue 2 at the conclusion of the previous season, but the 2025-26 campaign has treated the latter more favorably.

The Maroons faced a significant challenge after winning only three matches before 2026, but few would have believed that their November 2-1 victory over Nice, along with two 2-0 wins against Lens and Nantes, would mark the end of their success.

Les Grenats have struggled to capitalize on a three-match winning streak as they have failed to secure a single point in their last 20 top-flight encounters.

Fifteen of these fixtures resulted in losses, which illustrates their difficulties throughout a season that has left them with just 16 points after 32 games.

Heading into this match, Tavenot’s side has conceded 72 goals, 21 more than Nantes, who are second from the bottom, indicating the tests ahead against an opponent they have not lost to in three meetings.

Analyzing their recent history, it’s notable that all three matches ended in draws, meaning Les Merlus have not been defeated by Metz in the past three years.

Lorient managed a 2-1 victory at Stade Saint-Symphorien in February 2024 and earned a 1-1 draw in September 2024; they remain unbeaten in their last two visits, with their only loss being a 4-1 defeat back in December 2021.

The performance of the away side could be intriguing due to their mid-table position, where there’s little motivation other than to secure the highest finish possible.

Olivier Pantaloni’s team currently sit ninth in the table, with no chance of breaking into the top six, as Mônaco is 12 points clear and not at risk of relegation.

This situation explicates why Le FCL have achieved just one victory in their last five league fixtures, recording two draws and two defeats, and they come off a 2-2 draw against champions-elect Paris Saint-Germain.

Even though that point halted a two-match losing streak away from home, Lorient have not secured a win on the road since registering consecutive victories at Mônaco (3-1) and Rennes (2-0), both of which were their only away wins this season.

Facing the division’s bottom team and a side that hasn’t tasted victory in 2026, Lorient will seek to break their six-match winless run away from Brittany.

Team News

Metz will be without Joseph Mangondo and Boubacar Traore for Sunday’s match due to knee injuries, while Alpha Toure is also dealing with a knock.

Gauthier Hein is the primary attacking threat for the Maroons, boasting 15 goal contributions — eight goals and seven assists — which he aims to increase against the mid-table opponents.

Theo Le Bris has not featured for Lorient since their defeat against Lyon in April due to a hamstring injury, which is likely to sideline him for this weekend’s match.

Pablo Pagis (10 goals) is the only player for Les Merlus to reach double figures, although Bamba Dieng is just one goal away from matching him.

Notably, Pagis is in great form, having scored or assisted in four of his last five Ligue 1 appearances, while Dieng has managed just two goals in his last five outings.

Metz probable starting XI:

Sy; Sarr, Sane, Yegbe, Tstaishvili; Stambouli, Gbamin; Hein, Deminguet, Mbala; Quilitare

Lorient probable starting XI:

Mvogo; Talby, Adjei, Faye; Katseris, Abergel, Cadiou, Kouassi; Ebong, Country; Dieng

Given Metz’s poor form and defensive issues, envisioning them ending their winless streak seems unlikely, even with Lorient struggling to find their rhythm.

Considering the away side’s dismal record this season, they might not be expected to claim victory at Stade Saint-Symphorien, suggesting a likely draw instead.