Nothing like a good old derby to start 2022 ! This Sunday, on the occasion of the first day of the return phase of Ligue 1, FC Metz, undefeated in the league for two games, receives Racing Club de Strasbourg. On the first leg, the Garnets were severely beaten by the Alsatian neighbor (3-0).
A new-look Metz team for the start of the year
To start the second part of this season, the FC Metz is deprived of seven players who will participate, in Cameroon, in the African Cup of Nations : Algerians Farid Boulaya and Alexandre Oukidja, Ivorian Habib Maïga, Malian Kiki Kouyaté, Moroccan Sofiane Alakouch, Senegalese Pape Matar Sarr, and Tunisian Dylan Bronn. Among them, six are almost indisputable holders.
The Metz infirmary has also been welcoming the defender for several weeks. Matthieu udol and midfielder Kevin N’Doram.
The coronavirus epidemic has also impacted the club at the Croix de Lorraine: Nguette, Yade and Joseph were recently infected.
On the other hand, the last winter recruit, defender Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik, is qualified for Sunday’s game. He should be aligned in defense with the Brazilian Jemerson.
Racing is a hit!
10th in the standings at the end of the first leg, Strasbourg, which has so far totaled seven wins, 5 draws and 6 defeats, relies in particular on a formidable attack.
With 34 goals scored, Racing has the second attack in the championship. Ludovic Ajorque has already scored 9 times and the former Messin Habib Diallo, 8 times. But the Senegalese international will be absent this Sunday. He also participates in the CAN.
Racing, for this derby, will be deprived of its supporters. By prefectural decree, they were banned from traveling.