Preview: Derby clash between Strasbourg & Metz

A huge Eastern derby clash awaits on Sunday evening as Strasbourg host FC Metz in a game which will be vital for Les Grenats' survival in Ligue 1 Uber Eats.

FC Metz have the chance to take a big step to avoiding the automatic relegation spots in Ligue 1 when they travel down the A4 autoroute to face Strasbourg at Stade de la Meinau. Whilst the hosts have all-but secured their safety in Ligue 1, they'll want to end their season at home on a high, and say farewell to iconic striker Kévin Gameiro in style.

Following a 3-1 defeat to Le Havre last weekend, Strasbourg currently sit 13th in the Ligue 1 table, Les Alsatiens suffering their third successive defeat to match their longest losing run in Ligue 1 this season.

Meanwhile, Metz suffered a 3-2 defeat against Stade Rennais last weekend, their second in a row which saw the expulsion of talismanic forward Georges Mikautadze. Yet, the LFP's Commission de Discipline has taken away the card on review, meaning the Georgian international will be able to face Metz's local rivals. Mikautadze has been a vital figure this season since returning on loan from Ajax, scoring 12 goals in 18 matches for his side this season in Ligue 1.

A final match for Kevin Gameiro

After having been at the club as a youth player, and returning 13 years later, Strasbourg forward Kevin Gameiro will play his final match in front of the Racing home fans - as the Frenchman announced he'll leave the club at the end of the season in a press conference this week.

"Sunday will be my last match at La Meinau with Racing. It's with great emotion that I make this announcement. I never thought I'd cry," said the former PSG & Atletico Madrid man. "This club has seen me grow up and allowed me to express myself at the highest level."

Strasbourg vs Metz: Likely lineups

Strasbourg: Bellaarouch; Guilbert, Perrin, Sylla; Senaya, Sissoko, Santos, Delaine; Bakwa, Diarra; Gameiro.

Metz: Oukidja; Colin, Traore, Herelle, Cande; Sabaly, N'Doram, Atta; Jallow, Lamkel Ze, Diallo.