The 25th round of Ligue 1 offers an intriguing clash this Sunday at 15:00 as RC Lens host FC Metz at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. The home side are enjoying a remarkable campaign, sitting comfortably in second place and aiming to consolidate their position in the Champions League spots. Despite not winning in their last two league outings, Lens remain one of the most consistent teams in France this season. Their recent qualification for the Coupe de France semi-finals has further boosted morale, and they will be eager to cap off a positive week with another victory in front of their fans. In contrast, Metz are struggling at the bottom of the table and face an uphill battle to avoid relegation. This encounter between two teams at opposite ends of the standings promises to be decisive for both sides’ ambitions.

RC Lens: Form and Key Statistics

Lens have been one of the standout performers in Ligue 1 this season. With a record of 17 wins, 2 draws and 5 defeats, they have averaged 1.9 goals scored and 0.9 conceded per match. Their attacking consistency is impressive — they have scored in each of their last 18 league games and in all of their last 12 home fixtures. The team’s recent form shows 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat across their last five matches, including a 2-2 draw against Olympique Lyonnais on March 5, 2026. Even when not at their best, Lens have shown resilience, remaining unbeaten at half-time in 18 of their last 20 Ligue 1 matches.

At home, the Sang et Or have been particularly dominant. They have not drawn in their last 18 home league matches, often taking control early and maintaining their advantage. Their ability to find the net after the break is another strength — over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half in 20 of their last 22 Ligue 1 games. Despite several absentees in defense and attack, Lens continue to demonstrate depth and tactical balance. The likes of Florian Thauvin, who has been decisive in four of the last five matches, remain key to their offensive output. The home crowd will expect another strong performance to keep pressure on the league leaders.

• Lens are 2nd in Ligue 1 with 53 points.


• They have scored in each of their last 14 league matches.


• Over 0.5 goals in the second half in 21 of their last 22 matches in all competitions.


• Unbeaten at half-time in 22 of their last 24 matches overall.

FC Metz: Form and Key Statistics

Metz are enduring a difficult season, currently sitting 18th in Ligue 1 with just 3 wins, 4 draws and 17 defeats. Their attack has struggled badly, averaging only 0.9 goals scored per match while conceding 2.2 goals on average. The team’s recent form is alarming: no wins in their last five games, with four defeats and just one draw. Their most recent outing ended in a 0-1 loss to Brest on March 1, 2026. Away from home, Metz have been particularly fragile, losing 10 of their 12 away fixtures this season.

The Grenats have also shown a worrying trend of falling behind early. They have lost at half-time in 8 of their last 11 Ligue 1 matches and in 9 of their last 13 overall. Defensively, they have struggled to keep clean sheets, while their attack has gone quiet, scoring only once across their last five games. However, their matches tend to produce goals — over 1.5 goals have been scored in 19 of their last 20 away fixtures, and over 0.5 goals have been recorded in the first half in 18 of those. Metz will need a major turnaround to get anything from this trip to Lens, but their fighting spirit could still make the contest competitive.

• Metz are bottom of Ligue 1 with 13 points.


• No wins in their last 12 league matches.


• Over 1.5 goals in 19 of their last 20 away games.


• Lost at half-time in their last 3 away Ligue 1 matches.

Lens vs Metz: Analysis and Prediction

This fixture appears to be a classic battle between a title contender and a team fighting for survival. Lens have the momentum, the home advantage, and the attacking firepower to dominate proceedings. Their recent performances suggest they are capable of scoring multiple goals, especially against a defense as vulnerable as Metz’s. The visitors, meanwhile, have been unable to find stability at either end of the pitch, and their away record offers little optimism. Historically, Lens have had mixed results against Metz, but their 2-0 win in the last head-to-head encounter on October 29, 2025, will give them confidence.

Given the current dynamics, a high-scoring match seems likely. Lens have averaged more than two goals per game in recent weeks, while Metz’s defensive issues often lead to open contests. The home side’s attacking rhythm, combined with Metz’s need to take risks, could produce another entertaining encounter at Bollaert-Delelis. Expect Lens to control possession, create numerous chances, and potentially secure a comfortable victory to maintain their pursuit of the top spot.