Lyon vs Metz Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Ligue 1 2025-26

The hosts secured three points in their league opener, and will be looking for more three.

This Ligue 1 encounter will be played between Olympique Lyonnais and Metz at the Groupama Stadium on August 24 (IST). The match will provide the home side with a chance to keep their winning run going. At the end of last season, Lyon were in danger of being relegated to Ligue 2 for financial reasons, but the appeal was successful and the club remained in the top tier.

There were some changes over the summer, with owner John Textor relinquishing a modicum of control, and the team structure was kept simple.

Lyon got off to a great start by beating Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in their first match. Georges Mikautadze scored in first-half injury time to seal the win. Coach Paulo Fonseca is currently suspended from the dugout, but the players have shown good coordination even in his absence.

Supporters now want the team to replicate the same confidence at home.

Metz, on the other hand, did not have as strong a start. They faced Strasbourg, who came in as a young and expensive side. Metz kept their cool throughout the match, but Joaquin Panichelli’s 86th-minute strike sealed the loss.

This season could prove to be a tough one for Metz, which is surrounded by transfer speculation. This match will be a chance for Lyon to build momentum and for Metz to improve things. Home crowd support and recent form give the hosts a clear edge, while Metz will have to show strength to pull off the big upset.

Kick-off:

• Location: Lyon, France
• Stadium: Groupama Stadium
• Date: Sunday, August 24
• Kick-off Time: 12:35 a.m. IST
• Referee: Not yet confirmed
• VAR: In use

Form:

Lyon: W

Metz: L

Players to Watch

Georges Mikautadz (Lyon)

For Olympique Lyonnais, all eyes will be on Georges Mikautadze in this match. He scored a goal in injury time against Lens in the first match of the season to give the team victory. His speed and finishing strengthen the team’s attack line.

Mikautadz’s confidence may increase further in front of the home crowd at the Groupama Stadium. Stopping him will prove to be a big challenge for Metz.

Back to the roots: Georges Mikautadze signs for Lyon 👑🦁🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/KyLqCkcXUj

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) July 18, 2024

Brian Madzo (Metz)

Brian Madzo can prove to be an important player for Metz in this match. Madzo’s patience and positioning will be decisive if Metz have to get something out of this game away from home.

16 ans, 7 mois et 5 jours 💎✨Titulaire face au @RCSA, Brian Madjo devient le plus jeune joueur à porter le maillot messin en @Ligue1 🫡Il détrône un des ses compatriotes, Vincent Thill 🇱🇺 pic.twitter.com/IIwvEcBrEq

— FC Metz ☨ (@FCMetz) August 18, 2025

Match Facts:

• OL secured a narrow 1-0 victory against RC Lens in their opening Ligue 1 fixture, placing them among the early leaders with 3 points. Metz, conversely, lost their season opener 1-0 to RC Strasbourg and currently sit with no points.
• OL have generally held the upper hand in recent encounters against Metz. In their last five meetings across all competitions, they have recorded two wins and two draws, with Metz winning only once. The last direct encounter between the two teams in February 2024 ended in a 2-1 victory for the hosts.
• Lyon will be hosting Metz at their home stadium, Groupama Stadium, known for its passionate atmosphere. Playing at home provides OL with a significant advantage, potentially boosting their performance and making it a challenging fixture for Metz.

Lyon vs Metz Betting Tips and Odds:

• Lyon to win: 1.45 as per 1xBet.
• Under 2.5 goals: 1.75 as per 1xBet.
• Both teams to not score: 1.85 as per 1xBet

Note: Odds are subject to change.

Injury and Team News

Orel Mangala and Ernest Nuamah will miss the game for Lyon due to injuries.

Lima Joseph Mangondo and Malick Mbaye will miss the game for Metz with injuries.

Head-to-Head Stats:

Total matches: 26

Lyon won: 19

Metz won:

Draw: 4

Match Prediction

Lyon predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Descamps; Kumbedi, Clinton Mata, Niakhate, Abner; Morton, Tessmann; Maitland-Niles, Tolisso, Fofana; Mikautadze.

Metz predicted lineup (3-5-2):

Fischer; Sane, Gbamin, Mboula; Kouao, Traore, Stambouli, Deminguet, Tsitaishvili; Madjo, Sabaly.

Match Prediction

Olympique Lyonnais have started the season with a win, and their confidence is high. They have performed well against Metz in the last few matches, with very few defeats. Now, the home atmosphere at the Groupama Stadium will give them further strength.

Metz might work hard, but given their current form and record, Lyon look like a strong contender to take the win in this match.

Prediction: Lyon 2-0 Metz

Telecast Details

UK: Ligue 1 Pass

USA: beIN SPORTS

Nigeria: MBS Sports

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