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

Facing off for the first time ever in Ligue 1, Clermont and Metz will be seeking a positive result when they lock horns at the Stade Gabriel Montpied on Sunday.

While Clermont have remained unbeaten in their three league matches so far, Metz are without a win and will be hopeful of producing a good performance to get the better of the hosts here.

Match preview

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Having quickly adapted to life in the French top flight, Clermont are enjoying a solid start to the campaign, with two wins and a draw from their opening three matches to occupy third place in the standings, just two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

It may still be early days but there are genuine signs to suggest that Clermont could be a force to reckon with this season, as they continue to rack up the goals with the prolific Mohamed Bayo leading the scoring charts with three goals.

Following consecutive 2-0 victories over Bordeaux and Troyes, Les Lanciers were faced with the herculean task of upsetting heavyweights Lyon on matchday three, rising to the occasion to record an impressive 3-3 draw.

Clermont appeared to be heading for defeat as Lyon held a two-goal lead entering into the final 10 minutes, before Pascal Gastien's inspired move of bringing on Elbasan Rashani paid dividends - the left winger coming off the bench to score a late brace to complete an impressive comeback.

With Gastien's men in good spirits at the moment, they will be confident about their chances of keeping their unbeaten run intact for some time to come but must be wary of complacency.

This weekend, Clermont's resolve will be tested by Metz, who are yet to secure a win this term and will be desperate to clinch maximum points to get their Ligue 1 campaign up and running.

Since their promotion from Ligue 2 in 2019, Les Grenats have been quite solid in the French top flight, and are looking to establish themselves as a formidable outfit in this division.

Metz are enduring a difficult start to the campaign, where they sit in 13th place in the standings with only two points from three games, conceding six goals in that time.

Playing on home turf last time out, Frederic Antonetti's men were made to dig deep to salvage a point from Reims, as Habib Maiga hit the target on 14 minutes to restore parity after the visitors had gone ahead very early in the game.

Unfortunately for the Maroons, they have failed to win any of their previous 10 matches against newly-promoted sides, losing six and drawing four - a stat that tips the scales slightly in favour of the home side.

Team News

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Following his heroics in the previous game against Lyon, Elbasan Rashani is in line to return to the starting XI to help improve his side's potency in front of goal.

New signing Saif-Eddine Khaoui could be set for his first Clermont start after being limited to a substitute role last time out while Vital N'Simba could return to the starting lineup after settling for a place on the bench last weekend.

Clermont have a clean bill of health and head coach Pascal Gastien will have his full squad to choose from when naming his side for this fixture.

After appearing to have fractured his collarbone a few weeks ago, Kevin N'Doram was forced off the pitch and is set for a spell on the sidelines.

The midfielder will be joining long-term absentees Farid Boulaya, Opa Nguette and Manuel Cabit in the recovery room.

There may be no room for Pape Sarr in the squad amid speculation about a transfer to Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur.

We expect Antonetti to stick to the backline that conceded only one goal last time out, with Alexandre Oukidja keeping his place in goal.

Clermont possible starting lineup:
Desmas; N'Simba, Ogier, Hountondji, Zedadka; Gastien, Iglesias; Allevinah, Berthomier, Dossou; Bayo

Metz possible starting lineup:
Oukidja; Centonze, Bronn, Kouyate, Udol; Maiga, Pajot, Bassi; Gueye, Niane, Sabaly

We say: Clermont 2-0 Metz

Clermont have begun the campaign in brilliant fashion, showing no signs of slowing down and against an inconsistent Metz side, the hosts will fancy their chance of grabbing a win.

Also, Gastien's men have been lethal in front of goal, and are likely to cause Metz's frail backline all sorts of problems to secure a comfortable win without conceding.