Betting tips from AI for Strasbourg vs Metz, 18 January 2026.

Strasbourg are the sensible pick here. They arrive on the back of a 6-0 Coupe de France romp with new boss Gary O'Neil making an immediate impact, they’re unbeaten in seven straight Ligue 1 clashes with Metz and welcome the return of defender Guela Doue to shore up a defense facing a leaky Metz side that’s conceded 38 league goals.
Metz are rock-bottom with 12 points, missing Sabaly and Diallo and winless in three away trips — their away form and injuries make them a long shot. Market odds reflect that: 1.50 for Strasbourg, 6.23 for Metz and 4.72 for a Draw. Back Strasbourg for a controlled home win.

The Derby de l'Est is shaping up to be a one-sided affair, with Strasbourg looking to capitalize on their recent momentum and Metz's dire form. Experts are heavily backing Strasbourg for a 2-1 home win, and it's easy to see why. Le Racing's rock-solid performances at Stade de la Meinau, coupled with Metz's league-high 38 goals conceded, paint a clear picture.

Strasbourg enters this clash buzzing after a 6-0 thrashing of Avranches in the Coupe de France, marking a triumphant debut for new boss Gary O'Neil. In stark contrast, Metz limps in, fresh off a humiliating cup loss and sitting rock-bottom in Ligue 1 with a mere 12 points. Their struggle to hold leads and vulnerability against top-half sides are glaring weaknesses.

The head-to-head record heavily favors Strasbourg, who are unbeaten in seven straight Ligue 1 encounters against Metz, securing six wins since 2020. While Strasbourg has drawn their last five league games, this match presents an excellent chance to break that pattern. With defender Guela Doue returning for Strasbourg and Metz missing key defenders Sabaly and Diallo due to international duty, their already shaky backline will be further exposed. The pundits' prediction of over 2.5 goals in this fixture further reinforces the attacking potential for Strasbourg against a weakened Metz defense. The 1.50 odds for Strasbourg reflect this strong favoritism, making them the smart bet.

Strasbourg look set to continue their dominance in the Derby de l'Est against bottom-dwellers Metz. Despite drawing their last five league games, Le Racing's unbeaten seven-match streak against Metz and their impressive 6-0 cup thrashing of Avranches under new boss Gary O'Neil signals a team finding form at the right time.

Metz's defensive woes are impossible to ignore - they've conceded a league-high 38 goals and sit rock-bottom with just 12 points from 17 matches. Their tendency to collapse after taking leads (four times this season) makes the 1.50 odds on Strasbourg look justified.

The return of defender Guela Doue strengthens Strasbourg further, while Metz's already shaky backline is compromised by the absence of Sabaly and Diallo on international duty. With Strasbourg winning six times against Metz since 2020 and Metz being particularly vulnerable against top-half sides, backing the home team is the smart play in what should be a high-scoring affair.

In the heat of the Derby de l'Est, Strasbourg are primed to extend their stranglehold over Metz at Stade de la Meinau. Sitting seventh and unbeaten in seven straight Ligue 1 clashes against the bottom-dwellers, Le Racing boast a rock-solid home form that's seen them thrash opponents like Avranches 6-0 in the Coupe de France under new boss Gary O'Neil. Metz, meanwhile, are in freefall with just 12 points from 17 matches, their leaky defense shipping a league-high 38 goals and missing key defenders Sabaly and Diallo to international duty.

Experts are circling a 2-1 Strasbourg win, and the odds reflect it at 1.50 for the hosts, with Metz a longshot at 6.23 and draw at 4.72. Strasbourg's returnee Guela Doue bolsters their backline, while Metz's inability to hold leads—failing four times this season—and winless away streak make them vulnerable. Pundits predict goals, with over 2.5 in Strasbourg's last four home games vs. Metz, but the hosts' dominance should seal a comfortable victory.

Betting $1 on Strasbourg at 1.50 offers solid value for profit, capitalizing on their head-to-head edge—six wins since 2020—against a Metz side limping from a cup humiliation.

Strasbourg enters the Derby de l'Est with immense momentum, fresh off a 6-0 cup thrashing and unbeaten in seven Ligue 1 clashes against Metz. New boss Gary O'Neil has sparked life into Le Racing, who sit seventh and boast a rock-solid home record at Stade de la Meinau.

Metz are rock-bottom with a league-high 38 goals conceded, limping in after a humiliating cup loss and missing key defenders. Their inability to hold leads and vulnerability against top-half sides spells trouble.

With Strasbourg's returning defender Guela Doue and odds at 1.50, backing the home win is the smart play. Expect goals, but Strasbourg's dominance should secure three points.

Strasbourg enters this Ligue 1 clash against Metz as the clear favorite, and for good reason. Their home form at Stade de la Meinau has been nothing short of stellar, while Metz's defensive frailties have seen them concede a league-high 38 goals already this season. The odds reflect this dominance, with Strasbourg priced at 1.50, indicating they're expected to secure the win comfortably. Meanwhile, Metz's odds of 6.23 suggest bookmakers see them as massive underdogs in this fixture.

Recent results further tilt the scales in Strasbourg's favor. Gary O'Neil's side demolished Avranches 6-0 in the Coupe de France, showcasing their attacking prowess. In contrast, Metz suffered a humiliating cup loss to Montpellier, compounding their struggles. Strasbourg also boasts an unbeaten streak of seven straight Ligue 1 matches against Metz, including six wins since 2020. Though they've drawn their last five league encounters, the added boost of Guela Doue returning from suspension should provide stability and confidence.

Metz's away record is abysmal, failing to hold leads four times this season and losing three consecutive road trips. With key defenders Sabaly and Diallo unavailable, their shaky backline looks even more vulnerable. Pundits are predicting an open game with plenty of goals, given that over 2.5 goals have been scored in Strasbourg's last four home games versus Metz. This aligns perfectly with the narrative of a dominant home performance.

While the odds for a draw sit at 4.72, it seems unlikely given the contrasting forms and historical head-to-head dominance by Strasbourg. Backing Strasbourg here feels like a calculated and profitable move.