Metz FC vs St. Etienne Predictions: It's in everyone's best interest not to concede

It's arguably the biggest game for these 2 clubs that have fought hard all season to play in the Ligue 1 next season. Metz FC is currently fighting to retain it's place in the Ligue 1, while St. Etienne is seeking a promotion from the Ligue 2 division. The playoff final match is contested over 2 legs and St. Etienne won the first leg at home when these clubs met last week. Metz FC has just 1 chance to grab the Ligue 1 ticket for next season and it's all about to go down at the Stade Saint Symphorien.

Metz FC are back playing at home for the very final time this season and they have a huge decision to make whether they will be part of the Ligue 1 next season or they will be plying their trade in the Ligue 2 division. 

Metz FC played against St. Etienne in the first leg a couple of days ago and they lost 2-1. St. Etienne scored the opening goal in the 18th minute and just before the end of the first half, Metz FC responded with a crucial goal through Ismaël Traoré and the game was brought level. And in the second half, both clubs contested to go ahead, but it was St. Etienne that finally got the breakthrough in the 80th minute. The game ended after that goal and Metz FC lost 2-1. And according to stats, Metz FC had the following numbers in that game:- 45% possession, 0 big chances, 2 corner kicks, 2 shots on target and that also hit the woodwork once. 

Metz FC have only one option and that is to win a avoid conceding in this return leg.

St. Etienne will now play away from home in what is probably their biggest game of the season. Their desire to play in the French top division is to be decided by another 90 minutes match, one in which they need to either win or pull off a draw atleast. 

St. Etienne job the job done in the first leg by beating Metz FC at home by 2-1. Ibrahim Sissoko gave them a boost of confidence with the early goal in just 18 minutes, but they conceded in the 45th minute. And in the second half, they grabbed a late goal through Irvin Cardona, and that proved crucial in separating both sides. And according to the stats, St. Etienne's numbers during the game were:- 55% possession, 3 big chances, 5 corner kicks and 5 shots on target.

St. Etienne will need a lot of psychological strength to keep their cool in the remaining 90 minutes. 

According to the h2h between both clubs, in the last 20 meetings between both clubs, St. Etienne won 10, Metz FC won 6 and 4 games ended as a draw.

It's going to be a tense game between these two and the margin for error is low. Metz FC did really well to get that important away goal and now there's a chance for them to win the tie. And for St. Etienne they are heading into hostile territory and they need to keep their cool to win the tie. I expect St. Etienne to come out on top at the end of the tie. Metz FC have not just been a proper team for much part of the Ligue 1 season and there won't be much of a difference at the Stade Saint Symphorien.

Match Facts:-

Metz FC are without a clean sheet in the last 6 meetings 

St. Etienne are without a clean sheet in the last 3 meetings 

Both teams score in 4/5 meetings 

5/6 meetings ended with less than 4.5 cards 

• 3 Way Total Under 3 Goals at 1.945 Odds
• Both Teams to Score No at 2.09 Odds
• Under 2.5 Goals at 1.87 Odds