Lyon vs Metz: Ligue 1 Qualification Prediction (23.08.2025)

On Saturday, August 23, at 21:05 CEST, in the second round of the French Ligue 1, Lyon (Olympique Lyonnais) will host Metz. Bookmakers consider the hosts clear favorites. Let’s review the current form of both teams and provide a prediction for this match.

Lyon

Lyon finished last Ligue 1 season in sixth place, securing a Europa League spot. For the club, this is not just an opportunity but an important chance to make a statement beyond the domestic league. The European campaign is seen as a crucial step in the team’s development and in strengthening its status on the continent. Head coach Paulo Fonseca emphasizes that his players are equally committed to success in both domestic and international competitions.

The team also managed to avoid administrative relegation. However, head coach Paulo Fonseca is still serving a nine-month suspension and cannot be on the sidelines to guide his squad. Nevertheless, Lyon began the new season with three points, narrowly defeating Lens 1–0 away in the opening round.

Metz

Metz barely earned promotion to Ligue 1 after a tense playoff against Reims, with the decisive goal coming in extra time of the second leg. For Stéphane Le Mignan’s side, this was a deserved reward for the enormous work done over the season. But now, the challenge is just as great—staying in the top flight.

The summer preparations went relatively well for the “Dark Red” side: four wins in six friendlies. Still, there were warning signs—a narrow 1–2 loss to Lens was a learning experience, but the heavy 0–8 defeat to Hoffenheim exposed vulnerabilities. In the opening round, Metz hosted Strasbourg. The team played cautiously in hopes of adapting smoothly to the new level and came close to picking up points, but conceded late, losing 0–1.

Head-to-head statistics

After one season in Ligue 2, Metz are back in the top division. Historically, they have been a difficult opponent for Lyon. In the last six head-to-head encounters, the record is even: two wins apiece and two draws.

Prediction

For Lyon vs Metz, the prediction is in favor of the hosts. Lyon are gradually finding their rhythm and looked sharp at the start of the season. Given the difference in quality, the logical bet is Lyon to win with a –1 handicap at odds of 1.67.