Metz vs Caen preview - Metanire warns of Duhamel danger

Metz must shut down former striker Mathieu Duhamel to return to winning ways in Ligue 1 in Saturday's clash with Caen, according to defender Romain Metanire.

Hitman Duhamel bagged a brace in Caen's 4-3 midweek Coupe de la Ligue victory over Clermont, leaving former team-mate Metanire wary of the 30-year-old's goal threat.

"He's a player I've been around in the days when he wore our colours," said Metanire of Duhamel, who turned out for Metz from 2010 until 2012.

"He is a formidable striker and we have to be wary of him."

Promoted side Metz rocketed up to fifth in the early Ligue 1 standings, only to lose three on the spin and drop back down to 10th.

Max-Alain Gradel's acrobatic volley consigned Metz to 1-0 defeat at Saint-Etienne in their last league encounter, with Metanire demanding more against fellow promoted opponents this weekend.

"Like us Caen are promoted and pursue a similar goal," said Metanire.

"They are a direct competitor to keep pace with.

"But at home, where we are unbeaten, we always intend to win."

Relishing increasing responsibility at his sole club, the 24-year-old said he intends to rise to boss Albert Cartier's personal challenges.

"When some of our more senior players were injured the coach asked me to take on a new role by getting more involved with the group," said Metanire.

"Before I was a leader in my mind and in my physical qualities, but now I am speaking more.

"It's a good challenge, and it helps."

Caen manager Patrice Garande did not allow Duhamel's last-gasp extra time goal that felled Clermont to ease his frustrations.

Demanding a shift in concentration on his side's return to league action, Garande said Caen must channel the spirit from their 2-1 victory over Lorient from last weekend.

"My anger was only somewhat mitigated by the outcome," he said.

"It was hard to let my frustrations fall, because we should have been in position to win without extra time.

"We produced a fine victory over Lorient in the league then let that slip in the cup.

"It will be a very tough game against Metz and we must sharpen up now."