After a dramatic start to Ligue 1, Monaco will be hoping to pick their first win of the new season as they head to take on side Metz. The match schedules for Sunday at the Stade Saint-Symphorien with kickoff at 4 pm.
Niko Kovac’s side made a triumphant comeback last weekend against Reims after conceding two goals in the first half. After having their first match of the season postponed due to coronavirus fears, Metz will be having their first match this Sunday.
Kovac had a poor start to his new managerial role for Monaco after suffering a two-goal loss in the first half. The dramatic match against Reims saw new signing Axel Disasi net his first goal of the season. Benoit Badiashile came through in the second half to net the equalizer to land the side a point.
The side finished ninth last season before the curtailment after the point-per-game system. This makes Kovac’s target to get back the side in Europa League competition. Their opponents were six points and six places worse than them at the end of the short season.
Despite ending far off the mid-table, Metz finished off the season on a high note with only two losses from their last 11 matches in the league. The same goes for Monaco, who only recorded one loss in their last seven matches.
Metz vs. Monaco Head to Head
Both sides have 13 games against each other with Metz taking home four wins against nine wins for side Monaco. Here is a look at their previous encounters in the league:
Home
Metz 1-1 Montpellier
Strasbourg 2-3 Metz
Dijon 1-2 Metz
Metz 1-0 KV Mechelen
Metz 0-3 KAA Gent
Away
Monaco 2-2 Reims
AZ Alkmaar 0-2 Monaco
Frankfurt 1-1 Monaco
Standard Liege 2-1 Monaco
Brugge 0-2 Monaco
Metz Team News
After making a summer move from St. Etienne, Vagner will be keen on a first debut this weekend. A long term absentee this weekend is Kevin N’Doram with Manuel Cabit and Habib Diallo out with injury concerns.
Monaco Team News
Sofiane Diop gained favored managing to replace Henry Onyekuru after the first half and did well to earn a recall this Sunday. Veteran midfielder Cesc Fabregas missed the opening match and remained a doubt this weekend. Another absentee for the coming weekend is Stevan Jovetic.
Prediction and Odds
Monaco has an upper hand ahead of the match, having already completed one match ahead of the trip.
Monaco Win
Both Teams to Score
Goals Over 2.5
