The Stade Saint-Symphorien in Metz is the setting for a captivating Ligue 1 clash as Metz host Nice for this Matchday 12 fixture. The home side, Metz, have found a sudden and much-needed spark, heading into the match on the back of two consecutive league victories which have pulled them out of the automatic relegation spots and into 17th position in the table. They face a Nice side currently occupying 9th position who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing week that included a hard-fought league loss to Paris Saint-Germain and a midweek European defeat. This match is crucial for both clubs—Metz look to cement their turnaround with a statement win, while Nice desperately seeks three points to keep pace with the European qualification spots. The contest pits Metz’s renewed confidence and home grit against Nice’s desire to end a recent slump.
Match Details
This Sunday afternoon Ligue 1 encounter is a vital fixture for two teams with contrasting recent fortunes and ambitions in the French top flight.
DetailInformationCompetitionLigue 1 – Matchday 12DateSunday, November 9, 2025Kick-off4:15 PM UTC (5:15 PM CET / 4:15 PM GMT)VenueStade Saint-Symphorien, Metz, France
Team Form and Analysis for Metz
Domestic Form and Defensive Turnaround
Metz are in 17th position in the Ligue 1 table with 8 points from 11 matches. Their league record stands at two wins, two draws, and seven defeats.
Les Grenats (The Maroons) are in the midst of a remarkable reversal of fortune. After suffering a terrible run of defeats, manager Stephane Le Mignan has overseen a sudden upturn in form, securing back-to-back 2-0 victories against RC Lens and FC Nantes in their last two league outings. Crucially, they have not conceded a goal in either of those triumphs, marking a significant defensive turnaround after shipping 13 goals in their previous three October losses. This newfound confidence has seen them climb out of the bottom two. Their biggest challenge remains their porous overall defence, which has conceded a league-high 26 goals this season. A win on Sunday would give them three consecutive top-flight victories for the first time since 2021, and they will rely heavily on the atmosphere at the Stade Saint-Symphorien to push for the result.
Key Player: Gauthier Hein
Midfielder Gauthier Hein has been instrumental in Metz’s recent surge in form and is a constant threat in the attacking third. He is the team’s joint-top scorer with three goals and leads the squad in chances created. Hein’s versatility, clever movement, and ability to deliver key passes are essential to the Metz attack, particularly in transition. Having returned from suspension, his energy and creative input will be vital for unlocking a Nice defence that, despite recent setbacks, remains one of the more organized in the league.
Team Form and Analysis for Nice
Domestic Form and European Fatigue
Nice are currently in a mid-table position, sitting in 9th position in the Ligue 1 table with 17 points from 11 matches. Their league record stands at five wins, two draws, and four defeats.
Les Aiglons (The Eaglets) are experiencing a minor slump, losing two of their last three matches across all competitions. Their last league outing was a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain, conceded in the final minutes of the match. Furthermore, manager Franck Haise’s side suffered a heavy 3-1 home defeat to SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, adding potential fatigue and significant disappointment to their travelling baggage. Nice’s domestic form prior to the PSG loss was strong (three wins in four), and they possess a solid overall defensive record, having conceded only 16 goals this season. However, their away form has been patchy, with only one away league victory so far. Nice will need to overcome physical tiredness and mental fragility to stop the rot against an inspired Metz side.
Key Player: Sofiane Diop
Attacking midfielder Sofiane Diop is the leading goalscorer for Nice with six goals in the league, placing him among the division’s top attackers. Diop provides the pace, trickery, and finishing ability that Nice needs in the final third. His performance will be key for utilizing any space that Metz leaves in transition, especially as they push for a home victory. While he is listed as questionable due to a slight injury, his involvement would provide a significant boost to the Nice attack, which has struggled to convert chances in recent games.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The historical head-to-head record is heavily skewed in favour of the visitors, with Nice enjoying significant recent dominance over Metz.
MetricMetz WinsDrawsNice WinsTotal Ligue 1 Meetings5610Nice Recent Win Streak vs Metz (Ligue 1)0 wins0 draws3 consecutive winsNice Clean Sheets in Last 3 H2H Matches3 clean sheets
The overall Ligue 1 history is in favour of Nice, who have won 10 of the 21 top-flight encounters. Crucially, Nice are on a run of three consecutive victories over Metz in the league, and astonishingly, have kept a clean sheet in all three of those matches. The last meeting was a 1-0 victory for Nice in January 2024. Furthermore, Nice has won the last two clashes held at the Stade Saint-Symphorien. This dominance represents a significant psychological barrier for the home side to overcome, despite their recent form.
Players to Watch
Metz
Habibou Mouhamadou Diallo (Striker): The Senegalese striker has contributed to Metz’s recent turnaround, scoring a crucial goal in their last victory. His physical presence and aerial ability will be key against the Nice central defenders.
Cheikh Sabaly (Winger): The winger is a key creator for Metz, leading the team in assists. His service and ability to put the ball into dangerous areas will be vital, especially with Nice potentially showing fatigue.
Nice
Jérémie Boga (Winger): The experienced winger has been a consistent offensive outlet for Nice, contributing two goals this season. His pace and one-on-one ability will be key to creating opportunities on the counter-attack, especially if Nice opts for a more conservative approach.
Jonathan Clauss (Defender): The attacking right-back is Nice’s key playmaker, leading the team in chances created. His overlapping runs and accurate crosses into the box will be essential for providing attacking width and penetrating the Metz defence.
Prediction
This match is poised between Metz’s desperation to continue their winning run and Nice’s need to stop their recent losing streak, compounded by European fatigue. Metz has shown phenomenal fighting spirit and defensive organization in their last two matches, and the crowd at Saint-Symphorien will be fired up. However, Nice holds a strong historical advantage and, despite their issues, possesses a higher quality squad, though they may be missing several key players due to injury. Given Nice’s recent struggle for goals and Metz’s sudden defensive improvement, the match is likely to be a tight affair. A moment of quality from a Nice attacker, or a decisive set-piece, may be enough to end Metz’s run, maintaining the visitors’ dominance in this fixture.
Score Prediction: Metz 0-1 Nice
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This Ligue 1 fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match is available to watch and stream live on TNT Sports 2 and the discovery+ app and website. Coverage begins shortly before the 4:15 PM GMT kick-off.
In the United States (US), the match is available to watch and stream live on beIN SPORTS and Fubo TV. The kick-off time is 11:15 AM ET / 8:15 AM PT.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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