In the Ligue 1 relegation battle, Metz languishes in 18th with 15 points from 29 matches and a league-worst -37 goal difference, virtually assured of direct drop to Ligue 2, while Nantes sit 17th on 19 points after a goalless draw at fellow strugglers Auxerre four days ago, now five points from safety and facing mounting pressure. Auxerre hold 16th (24 points) for the playoff spot, but Nice (28 points in 15th) endure internal tension and declining form despite a slight buffer, with Le Havre (29 points) and Angers (33 points) also vulnerable. With five to seven matches left, including potential six-pointers in run-ins, home form, goal difference tiebreakers, and head-to-head results will prove decisive amid the tight standings.