Preview: Lens vs. Metz - prediction, team news, lineups

Lens take on Metz in Ligue 1 on Sunday, with the two sides separated by three points in the top half of the table.

Metz can overtake their forthcoming opponents into fifth place with a victory, but it will not be easy against a side on a seven-match unbeaten run.

Match preview

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Franck Haise's side are performing well above expectations in their first campaign back in Ligue 1, with a Europa League qualification spot firmly within their sights.

Lens have scored seven goals and taken seven points from their last three league games, with Florian Sotoca, Arnaud Kalimuendo and David Costa all on target in a highly entertaining 3-2 win at Saint-Etienne.

However, they were embarrassed by third-tier outfit Red Star Paris in the Coupe de France last weekend, with two late goals sealing arguably the biggest upset of the round-of-32.

Haise will be demanding his players bounce back to continue their superb league form in hope that the surprise defeat was merely a blip in what is otherwise all set up to be an excellent campaign.

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Like their forthcoming opponents, Metz have performed above expectations this season, too, regularly occupying a top-half position as they look to qualify for European football for the first time since 1999.

After losing top goalscorer Ibrahima Niane to a serious knee injury in the early stages of the campaign, Frederic Antonetti has worked wonders to keep his side competitive, building from the back as only the top three sides in the division currently boast a stronger defensive record this season.

At times this fairly rigid approach to games can work against them, though, as was evident in their recent 1-0 defeat at home to Angers. Metz could not find a meaningful response to Angelo Fulgini's 44th-minute penalty, with goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja sent off in injury time to add to their frustrations on the day.

Antonetti will be hoping that his side can put the defeat behind them against Lens in order to produce a similar performance to the one which saw them win the reverse fixture 2-0 and move above Haise's side in the table. Last weekend's 4-0 win at Valenciennes in the Coupe de France should certainly have boosted confidence within their ranks.

Team News

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Lens could be without Gael Kakuta, Issiaga Sylla and Ignatius Ganago due to injury against Metz.

Should Kakuta be out of action, Sotoca and Kalimuendo may have to provide more of their own attacking impetus, as was the case when both were on the scoresheet at Saint-Etienne.

Metz, meanwhile, will travel to Lens without Oukidja, Boubakar Kouyate and Fabien Centonze due to suspension, with Marc-Aurele Caillard deputising in goal.

To add further to Antonetti's woes, Niane, Warren Tchimbembe, Ernest Boahene, Opa Nguette, Kevin N'Doram and Manuel Cabit are all likely to be unavailable, too, due to injury.

Lens possible starting lineup:

Leca; Gradit, Bade, Medina; Clauss, Cahuzac, Fofana, Haidara; Mauricio; Kalimuendo, Sotoca

Metz possible starting lineup:

Caillard; Bronn, Fofana, Boye; Delaine, Pajot, Sarr, Udol; Boulaya; Gueye, Iseka

We say: Lens 2-1 Metz

Metz appear to be missing more first-team players, so we can see Lens extending their unbeaten run on Sunday.

A win would put Haise's side in a very strong position in terms of finishing as the 'best of the rest' behind the runaway top four sides in the division, so expect them to attack from the outset.