Dijon host Metz on Monday, 12 October at 18:45 GMT in the eighth round of Ligue 2, with both sides preparing for a meeting described in the preview as a Ligue 1 face-off.
Baptiste Ridira is expected to keep faith with Dijon FCO’s adventurous 4-1-3-2 formation. The system uses a single holding midfielder in front of the defence, while three attacking midfielders are positioned behind two forwards.
Dijon’s approach is built around controlling possession, pressing Metz high up the pitch and creating several attacking options in the final 30 metres. Paul Delecroix is likely to start in goal, with Ismail Bouleghcha, Lenny Lacroix, Waly Diouf and Moussa Faty forming the defence.
Paul Bellon is expected to operate in the deeper midfield role. Jordan Marie, Brandon Nsimba Ndezi and Adel Lembezat should provide the attacking support, with Ange Lago and Julio Tavares leading the line.
Dijon FCO probable XI
Goalkeeper: Paul Delecroix
Defenders: Ismail Bouleghcha, Lenny Lacroix, Waly Diouf, Moussa Faty
Midfielders: Paul Bellon, Jordan Marie, Brandon Nsimba Ndezi, Adel Lembezat
Forwards: Ange Lago, Julio Tavares
Metz are expected to respond with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Two deeper midfielders should provide protection in the centre, while a three-man attacking midfield unit will support the centre-forward and link the midfield with the attack.
The shape offers a more balanced approach, allowing FC Metz to limit space through the middle before moving forward quickly when possession is regained.
Jonathan Fischer is set to start in goal behind a defensive line of Maxime Colin, Jean Ruiz, Cristian Devenish and Florian Miguel.
Believe Munongo and Jessy Deminguet are expected to form the holding partnership. Bouna Sarr, Giorgi Abuashvili and Teji Savanier should play behind Pape Moussa Fall, who is listed as the lone centre-forward.
FC Metz probable XI
Goalkeeper: Jonathan Fischer
Defenders: Maxime Colin, Jean Ruiz, Cristian Devenish, Florian Miguel
Midfielders: Believe Munongo, Jessy Deminguet, Bouna Sarr, Giorgi Abuashvili, Teji Savanier
Centre-forward: Pape Moussa Fall
The match is scheduled for the eighth round of the French Ligue 2 championship. The quoted betting prices are 2.6 for a Dijon victory, 3.5 for a draw and 2.3 for an FC Metz win.