Hertha received a solid reinforcement last season, but did not live up to the expectations of the fans, having failures to follow Pal Dardai’s team in the new season too. In the first round of the championship, the “old lady” met with “Cologne” and was considered the clear favorite of the pair, but contrary to all predictions, they were defeated 1:3 away. Fights with Wolfsburg (1:2) and Bayern (0:5) also turned out to be disastrous, but in the last round the capital club interrupted the unsuccessful streak. In the away match against Bochum, Hertha did not show anything outstanding, but managed to convert the chances and get a 3:1 victory, their debut of the season. Thus, the “old lady” managed to rise to 16th place in the table.
Metz successfully returned to the elite championship of France and for the last two seasons forced everyone in the league to reckon with them. Last season, the “Messinians” were at the equator of the standings, while retaining the main line-up. Several people came to the team on loan, including Pape Sarr from Tottenham and Shiku Niakate from Guingamp. The season started without victories. Frederic Antonetti’s charges have suffered three defeats in five rounds and drew twice with Lille (3:3) and Reims (1:1). In the last round, the maroon at home could not cope with Troyes (0:2), which eventually brought three points and 17th place in the standings. Bulaya, Kaby and Ngette, who has a muscle injury, will not be able to play today.
