FC Metz will be hoping for a better return from the playoffs than last season, when they host Stade de Reims tonight at the Stade Saint-Symphorien for the first leg of their promotion/relegation playoff. Last year, Grenats dropped down to Ligue 2 via the playoffs when they were defeated by AS Saint-Étienne.

Head coach Stéphane Le Mignan will be without goalkeeper Arnaud Bodart, who picked up an injury during the 3-2 victory over Stade Lavallois on the final game of the season. In his place, Le Mignan will likely turn to Pape Sy, who started the 1-0 win over USL Dunkerque in the second round of the playoffs.

It’ll be a largely unchanged side from the one that beat Dunkerque, with the only likely difference being a swap at centre-back, with Ababacar Lô expected to get the nod over Urie-Michel Mboula.

Metz likely lineup vs Reims

Pope Sy; Matthew Udel, Ababacar Lô, Sadou Sadou, Knowledge; Alpha Touré, Jessy Designe; Morgan Bokele, Gauthier Hein, Father Amadou Diallo; And Joseph’s Son, and Joseph. (L’x)

Tezz | Nick Hartland