FC Metz vs Stade Rennais Match Preview: Ligue 1 2025/26 – Matchday 13
Match Details
Competition: Ligue 1 2025/26 – Matchday 13
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Kick-Off: 19:00 GMT (20:00 CET)
Venue: Stade Saint-Symphorien, Metz, France
Referee: TBA
TV Coverage: BeIN Sports (France), ESPN+ (US)
Current Standings and Context
This Ligue 1 encounter brings together two clubs experiencing dramatically different seasons. FC Metz currently languish in 18th position with just two points from six matches, occupying the relegation zone and desperately searching for their first win of the campaign. Meanwhile, Stade Rennais sit comfortably in eighth place with nine points, having collected two wins and three draws from their opening six fixtures.
The contrasting fortunes create a fascinating dynamic for this fixture. Metz, having earned promotion from Ligue 2 last season by defeating Reims in the promotion/relegation play-offs, find themselves in immediate danger of returning to the second tier. Their winless start represents a nightmare return to the French top flight after just one year away.
Rennes arrive as clear favorites but with their own concerns. Despite their mid-table position, they have drawn their last three league matches consecutively, suggesting difficulty in converting performances into victories. However, their recent form still represents a vast improvement compared to Metz’s struggles.
This match represents a must-win situation for both teams, though for vastly different reasons. Metz desperately need three points to ignite their survival campaign and escape the relegation zone, while Rennes require victory to break their drawing streak and maintain pressure on the European qualification places.
Team Form Analysis
FC Metz – Winless and Struggling
Christian Le Mignan’s FC Metz are experiencing a catastrophic start to their Ligue 1 campaign. Les Grenats have failed to win any of their opening six matches, collecting just two points from draws while suffering four defeats. This represents their worst start to a top-flight season in recent memory.
Most recently, Metz suffered a 2-0 defeat at Nantes, extending their winless run and leaving them firmly anchored to the bottom three. The lack of goals represents their primary concern – Metz have scored just five times in six matches while conceding 13, establishing them as one of the league’s weakest teams both offensively and defensively.
However, there are glimmers of hope. Metz have shown they can compete, securing draws against respectable opposition. Their fighting spirit and determination cannot be questioned, but quality in the final third has been sorely lacking throughout their opening fixtures.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
L-D-L-D-L
Home Record – Seeking First Win:
Metz’s home form has been equally disappointing. They have yet to win at Stade Saint-Symphorien this season, managing just one draw alongside defeats. The passionate home support desperately wants to celebrate a victory, creating enormous pressure on the players to deliver their first three points of the campaign.
The historical context adds intrigue. Metz’s last home victory against Rennes came in April 2002 with a 3-1 triumph, over 23 years ago. Since then, they have recorded seven draws and four defeats at home against the Bretons, making this fixture historically challenging.
Stade Rennais – Drawing Habit Needs Breaking
Jorge Sampaoli’s Stade Rennais present a curious case. The Argentinian manager has stabilized the club following their struggles last season, but they have developed a frustrating habit of drawing matches. Rennes have collected three consecutive draws in Ligue 1, suggesting they lack the cutting edge to convert performances into victories.
Despite this drawing streak, Rennes remain unbeaten in their last 14 league matches dating back to last season, an impressive run that demonstrates their defensive solidity and tactical organization. However, their inability to win consistently prevents them from challenging for European places.
Most encouragingly, Rennes have won their last six meetings with Metz, scoring 11 goals in the two most recent encounters (6-1 in March 2022 and 5-1 in August 2023). This dominance provides enormous confidence heading to Stade Saint-Symphorien.
Recent Form (Last 5 matches across all competitions):
D-D-D-W-D
Away Record:
Rennes’ away form has been solid with one win, two draws and one defeat on the road this season. They travel to Metz with confidence, knowing their historical dominance at this venue should continue given the hosts’ current struggles.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical record overwhelmingly favors Stade Rennais. In 26 meetings between the clubs, Rennes have won 14 matches compared to Metz’s three victories, with nine draws. This dominance extends to recent encounters, with Metz losing their last six league matches against Rennes.
Recent Encounters:
The most recent meeting came in May 2024, with Rennes winning 2-3 at Stade Saint-Symphorien. That result continued Rennes’ remarkable dominance, though the competitive nature suggests Metz can cause problems when performing to their capabilities.
Historical Context:
The most common result between these teams is 0-0, which has occurred seven times, while 1-1 has happened five times. However, these draws largely occurred in earlier years, with Rennes’ recent superiority producing more decisive outcomes.
Metz haven’t won at home against Rennes in competitive matches this century except for that April 2002 victory, a sobering statistic that highlights the psychological barrier Les Grenats must overcome. For a team yet to win this season, breaking this 23-year drought represents an enormous challenge.
Tactical Analysis
FC Metz’s Approach
Christian Le Mignan must balance desperation for points with tactical pragmatism. Metz will likely adopt a defensive 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formation, prioritizing organization and compactness while remaining alert to counter-attacking opportunities.
Metz’s attacking struggles stem from their inability to create clear-cut chances against organized defenses. With just five goals in six matches, they lack the clinical finishing and creative quality needed at this level. Against Rennes’ experience and tactical discipline, Metz must demonstrate significant improvement to threaten effectively.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Compact defensive shape to limit space
- Physical intensity to disrupt Rennes’ rhythm
- Quick counter-attacks when winning possession
- Set-piece opportunities as primary scoring chances
- Passionate home support to create hostile atmosphere
The absence of several key players through injury weakens Metz’s options, but the squad’s determination and fighting spirit should ensure they compete throughout the 90 minutes.
Stade Rennais’ Game Plan
Jorge Sampaoli will deploy his characteristic attacking approach, likely utilizing a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. The Argentinian manager favors possession-based football with aggressive pressing and quick transitions into attack.
Rennes’ recent drawing habit suggests they struggle to break down defensive opponents who sit deep and remain organized. Against Metz’s likely compact shape, Rennes must demonstrate patience and creativity to unlock the defense while avoiding counter-attacking vulnerabilities.
Key Tactical Elements:
- Dominating possession and territorial control
- Creating numerical advantages in wide areas
- Exploiting Metz’s defensive vulnerabilities
- Set-piece threat from dead-ball situations
- Managing the game intelligently to secure victory
Rennes possess significantly superior quality throughout their squad. Their experience in these situations should prove decisive, particularly given Metz’s confidence issues and winless start to the campaign.
Team News and Injuries
FC Metz – Multiple Absences
Metz face several notable concerns affecting squad depth and tactical flexibility. Manager Christian Le Mignan must cope without key players who would strengthen their chances of securing a crucial first victory.
Confirmed Absences:
- Jonas Omlin (goalkeeper – injury)
- Moritz Nicolas (goalkeeper – injury)
- Yvandro Borges Sanches (long-term injury)
Tactical Impact:
The goalkeeper situation remains problematic with both first-choice options unavailable. Tobias Sippel is expected to deputize, but the lack of experienced backup creates additional pressure on the defense to remain organized throughout the match.
Stade Rennais – Minimal Concerns
Rennes travel to Metz with a largely fit squad, providing manager Jorge Sampaoli with extensive tactical options. The depth throughout the team allows for rotation while maintaining competitive quality.
Confirmed Absences:
- No major injury concerns reported
Positive News:
Rennes’ full-strength availability provides enormous advantage over their struggling hosts. The technical quality and experience throughout the squad should prove decisive against Metz’s weakened lineup.
Predicted Lineups
FC Metz (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Tobias Sippel
Defense: Matthieu Colin, Ismaël Traoré, Fali Candé, Christophe Herelle
Midfield: Didier Lamkel Zé, Habib Maïga, Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly, Papa Amadou Diallo
Forwards: Georges Mikautadze, Gauthier Hein
Substitutes: Jan Olschowsky, Maxime Colin, Sadibou Sané, Kevin N’Doram, Lamine Camara, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Ibou Sané, Ablie Jallow
Stade Rennais (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Steve Mandanda
Defense: Lorenz Assignon, Christopher Wooh, Arthur Theate, Adrien Truffert
Midfield: Baptiste Santamaria, Azor Matusiwa
Attacking Midfield: Désiré Doué, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Amine Gouiri
Striker: Esteban Lepaul
Substitutes: Gauthier Gallon, Warmed Omari, Guela Doué, Ludovic Blas, Benjamin Bourigeaud, Fabian Rieder, Martin Terrier, Bertug Yildirim
Key Players to Watch
FC Metz
Georges Mikautadze: The Georgian striker represents Metz’s primary goal threat. Mikautadze has scored goals at this level previously and possesses the quality to trouble any defense when performing at his peak. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing make him Metz’s most dangerous weapon.
Gauthier Hein: The attacking midfielder provides creativity and goal threat from deeper positions. Hein has scored four goals this season, making him Metz’s joint-top scorer. His ability to find space and deliver quality in the final third will be crucial.
Habib Maïga: The defensive midfielder provides the foundation for Metz’s approach. His ball-winning abilities and tactical intelligence will be essential in disrupting Rennes’ rhythm and protecting the defense.
Stade Rennais
Esteban Lepaul: The young striker has emerged as Rennes’ top scorer with eight goals across all competitions this season. His pace, movement and clinical finishing make him extremely dangerous against vulnerable defenses like Metz’s.
Arnaud Kalimuendo: The French forward provides pace, directness and goal threat. Kalimuendo has scored consistently for Rennes and will relish facing Metz’s struggling defense. His movement in behind could prove decisive.
Désiré Doué: The highly-rated young midfielder brings creativity, vision and technical quality to Rennes’ attack. His ability to unlock defenses with passes and dribbles makes him one of French football’s most exciting prospects.
Steve Mandanda: The experienced goalkeeper provides leadership and organizational skills. Mandanda’s presence between the posts gives Rennes enormous confidence, and he should enjoy a relatively comfortable evening against Metz’s limited attacking threat.
Statistical Insights
FC Metz Statistics
- 2 points from six Ligue 1 matches (0W, 2D, 4L)
- Currently 18th in Ligue 1 (relegation zone)
- Scored 5 goals, conceded 13 in Ligue 1
- Winless in all six league matches this season
- Lost 2-0 at Nantes most recently
- Lost last six meetings with Rennes
- Last home win vs Rennes was April 2002 (3-1)
Stade Rennais Statistics
- 9 points from six Ligue 1 matches (2W, 3D, 1L)
- Currently 8th in Ligue 1 table
- Scored 7 goals, conceded 8 in Ligue 1
- Unbeaten in last 14 league matches (dating back to last season)
- Three consecutive draws in recent league matches
- Won last six meetings with Metz, scoring 11 goals in the two most recent encounters
- Won 14 of 26 historical meetings
Historical Context
- Metz won just 3 of 26 meetings, with 9 draws
- Average 2.42 goals per match in direct encounters
- Most common result is 0-0 (occurred 7 times)
- Rennes seeking seventh consecutive victory over Metz
Match Predictions and Betting Insights
Expert Analysis
The contrasting circumstances create a straightforward prediction scenario. Rennes arrive as overwhelming favorites based on form, quality, and historical dominance. Metz’s winless start and defensive vulnerabilities suggest they will struggle to contain Rennes’ attacking threats.
Bookmakers heavily favor Rennes, with odds reflecting the significant gulf in class and form between the teams. Metz represent minimal value despite their home advantage, while Rennes’ price suggests they should secure a comfortable victory.
Key Factors
- Form Contrast: Rennes unbeaten in 14 vs Metz winless in six
- Historical Dominance: Rennes’ six-match winning streak against Metz
- Quality Gap: Rennes’ squad depth vs Metz’s limited options
- Psychological Barrier: Metz haven’t beaten Rennes at home since 2002
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Metz conceded 13 goals in six matches
Goals and Scoring Patterns
Expect Rennes to dominate proceedings and create multiple scoring opportunities. Metz’s defensive record suggests they will concede, while Rennes’ attacking quality should deliver goals despite their recent drawing habit.
Over 2.5 goals appears likely given Metz’s defensive struggles and Rennes’ need to break their drawing streak. Both teams to score is less certain given Metz’s attacking limitations, but their home advantage and desperation could produce a consolation goal.
Rennes to win and over 2.5 goals offers excellent value, combining their quality advantage with both teams’ recent scoring patterns and historical encounters.
Score Prediction: FC Metz 1-3 Stade Rennais
Rennes will secure a comfortable victory that extends their remarkable dominance over Metz and maintains their unbeaten league run. The visitors’ superior quality and tactical organization should prove decisive despite Metz’s desperate need for points.
Esteban Lepaul should continue his impressive scoring form, while Arnaud Kalimuendo and Désiré Doué provide additional goal threats. Rennes will control possession, create numerous chances, and demonstrate why they’re considered a mid-table Ligue 1 team while Metz battle relegation.
Metz may score a consolation goal through Georges Mikautadze’s quality or a set-piece opportunity, but they lack the defensive organization and attacking creativity to genuinely threaten Rennes throughout 90 minutes. Their first victory of the campaign will need to wait for a more favorable fixture.
Final Verdict
Winner: Stade Rennais (3-1)
This match represents a golden opportunity for Rennes to break their drawing habit and claim three crucial points against clearly inferior opposition. The combination of superior form, quality, and historical dominance makes them overwhelming favorites to secure victory at Stade Saint-Symphorien.
Metz desperately need points to ignite their survival campaign, but facing Rennes represents one of their most challenging fixtures. The psychological barrier of not beating the Bretons at home since 2002 weighs heavily, and their current winless form provides little confidence they can overcome this historical disadvantage.
Jorge Sampaoli will organize Rennes to control possession, create scoring opportunities, and demonstrate the quality that establishes them as a solid mid-table Ligue 1 side. The experience throughout their squad should navigate any early pressure from the desperate hosts and ultimately secure a comfortable victory.
For Metz, this match represents another painful chapter in their difficult season. Christian Le Mignan must find solutions quickly if Les Grenats are to avoid immediate relegation back to Ligue 2. The lack of goals, defensive vulnerabilities, and confidence issues create a toxic combination that superior opponents like Rennes will ruthlessly exploit.
Final Prediction: FC Metz 1-3 Stade Rennais
Rennes will deliver a professional, dominant performance that extends their unbeaten run and moves them closer to European qualification places. Metz will fight valiantly but ultimately lack the quality to compete, suffering another defeat that keeps them firmly anchored in the relegation zone. The hosts’ first victory of the campaign remains frustratingly elusive as Rennes maintain their remarkable dominance in this fixture.
