Lorient vs Metz prediction 04.01.2026 | Ligue 1

After returning to Ligue 1, Lorient's primary goal this season is to avoid relegation. After almost half of the season, Les Merlus are six points above the drop zone. The previous few weeks were excellent for Lorient, as Olivier Pantaloni's team are undefeated in the last six matches in a row. In the most recent outing, Lorient won 7-0 on the road in the cup against AS Le Gosier. The team based in Guadeloupe didn't stand a chance as Les Merlus scored six goals already in the first half and secured an easy victory.

The January transfer window has started, and Lorient could experience some changes. During December, there was a lot of speculation that several clubs are interested in the midfielder Arthur Avom. The Cameroonian is probably the most promising Lorient player, and his eventual transfer could cause a lot of problems for Les Merlus, who would have to act quickly on the market. Also, according to reports, Atalanta are interested in striker Mohamed Bamba. 

Lorient have big problems with missing players. Darlin Yongwa, Aiyegun Tosin, Montassar Talbi, Arsene Kouassi, and Arthur Avom are currently at the African Cup of Nations, while Abdoulaye Faye, Panos Katseris, and Isaak Toure are unavailable for Sunday due to injuries. 

Metz also returned to the strongest French league this season. However, unlike Lorient, they are at the bottom of the standings with five points fewer than safety. The last few weeks of 2025 were tough for Les Grenats, as they lost the previous four league matches. The negative streak ended in the most recent game, when Metz won 3-0 on the road in the cup against Biesheim. The visitors, as expected, dominated and recorded a rare victory. 

Metz could add Bouna Sarr soon, as the right-back trains with the team for the last few weeks. Sarr, who played for Metz, Marseille, and Bayern Munich, recovered from the cruciate ligament tear and could be an interesting addition to Stephane Le Mignan's team. 

Metz's Cheikh Sabaly, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, and Habibou Diallo are at the African Cup of Nations and will not play on Sunday afternoon. Pape Sy and Joseph Mangondo are out too, and will not travel to Lorient.