Metz – Lille: Preview and Highest Odds

Metz defender John Boye sat out the Coupe de France defeat to Monaco through suspension, but he returns for this game and could displace makeshift defender Mamadou Fofana in Antonetti’s back three. Alexandre Oukidja will make his long-awaited return to league action after returning from a four-game ban in midweek, but Vincent Pajot and Warren Tchimbembe are out for the rest of the season. Early-season star Ibrahima Niane remains Metz’s top scorer in the league with six goals – despite spending nearly six months in the treatment room – but the striker is finally nearing a return to training after ACL surgery and could play a part in the final few weeks of the season. David had to be forced off with a sprained ankle just 15 minutes after scoring the winner against PSG, and in a huge blow to the league leaders, he is thought to be facing at least a few weeks on the sidelines. However, the in-form Burak Yilmaz can deputise well for his strike partner and should earn a place up top for this game, especially with Yusuf Yazici still self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus. Renato Sanches started in an unfamiliar right-midfield role against PSG, but the Portuguese midfielder is likely to continue there as Jonathan Ikone remains up front with Yazici and David out of contention. Djalo’s sending off and subsequent suspension leaves Galtier short of right-back options, as Zeki Celik is COVID-positive while Jeremy Pied is nursing a sprained ankle, so Domagoj Bradaric – a left-back by trade – may be forced to switch flanks this week.