Lyon vs Metz: Shocking Team Lineups & Unexpected Twists Revealed!
Get ready for a Ligue 1 showdown as Lyon (OL) faces off against Metz! The team lineups are in, and there are some surprises in store. Lyon will feature Georges Mikautadze and Corentin Tolisso in their starting eleven. Tolisso, despite a calf issue, will captain the side. Mikautadze gets the nod upfront against his former club, adding extra spice to the encounter.
Metz's Strategy & Key Players
Metz, after their defeat to Strasbourg, appear to be sticking with a five-defender system. However, Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly is absent, reportedly due to wanting a move to England. Gauthier Hein returns from suspension and will support Brian Madjo and Giorgi Abuashvili in attack.
Unexpected Absences & Tactical Shifts
The Metz lineup sees some changes, with Sabaly's absence being a key talking point. Lyon, too, has made adjustments. Pavel Sulc replaces Saël Kumbedi, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles shifts to the right side of the defence. Abner continues to be preferred over Nicolas Tagliafico at left-back.
- Lyon Starting XI: Descamps - Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhaté, Abner - Tessmann, Morton - Sulc, Tolisso (cap.), Mal. Fofana - Mikautadze
- Metz Starting XI: Fischer - Kouao, S. Sané, Gbamin, Mboula, Tsitaishvili - B. Traoré, Stambouli - Hein (cap.) - Madjo, Abuachvili
Match Updates: Metz Concedes Early Goals
Early in the match, Metz conceded two quick goals. The game was briefly interrupted due to offensive chants from the crowd. Boubacar Traoré received a yellow card. Metz faced a setback when Michel Mboula was subbed off due to a muscular injury.
Can Metz mount a comeback in the second half? Stay tuned for updates!