In what should be an intense encounter in week 27 of the French Ligue 1, Lyon will host Metz at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais this Sunday, February 26, 2017 (8:00 AM Pacific/5:00 PM PST). Of course, the first encounter between these two teams was marred by the actions of a few Metz fans as a firecracker almost deafened Lyon goalkeeper, Anthony Lopes, and the match had to be suspended.
Lyon is fighting for a place in Europe for next season, while Metz is fighting relegation, the three points are crucial for both teams. Lyon fell apart this season and is now fighting for a Europa League spot rather than a Champions League seed. ‘Les Gones’ are in fourth place in the Ligue 1 with 43 points, 16 back of OGC Nice in third place and a place in the Champions League seems impossible now. Lyon is coming off a great run in its last five games in all competitions, scoring 20 goals, only losing one game.
This past week Bruno Genesio’s men scored 11 goals in two games, four past Dijon in the Ligue 1 and seven past AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. That game against Dijon was not an easy one for Lyon at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, as the home team was down 2-1 up until the 80th minute. ‘The Kids’ scored three goals in 10 minutes from the 80th minute to the 90th minute to end the game with the 4-2 score line. Nabil Fekir had a big week scoring four total goals in the week.
Which is a great sign for Lyon fans, who may need to rely on the French forward if Alexandre Lacazette leaves in the summer. While the offense has been great for the seven-time champions as of late, defense has been the problem all season long. It could prove to be Lyon’s downfall in this match, if the offense is not able to generate enough attack.
Metz is a side that is fighting relegation, in 16th place with 28 points, just one point ahead of AS Nancy in 18th place. ‘The Maroons’ have had some interesting results in the last seven weeks that have been vital for the relegation race. Last week tying 1-1 against Nantes, in week 24 beating Dijon 2-1, in week 23 shockingly beating Marseille 1-0. Montpellier also fell to Metz in week 21, by a score of 2-0, and finally a 0-0 draw to OGC Nice in week 20.
Cheick Diabate has made an immediate impact on the team since his arrival from Turkish club, Osmanlispor. The Malian striker has provided four goals and an assist since his arrival in early January. Metz can prove to be a tricky opposition for a side like Lyon, but it should be an entertaining game at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
How to Watch Lyon vs Metz
The Lyon vs Metz match will be broadcast this Sunday, February 26 at 8:00AM Pacific/5:00 PM BST:
TV Schedule: BT Sport 2 (UK)
Watch Online: BT Sport Live Streaming (UK), beIN Sports Connect(U.S.), FuboTV (Watch 7 Days Free)
