Nantes vs Metz preview - Veretout expects tough encounter

Nantes midfielder Jordan Veretout has warned his team-mates struggling Metz will be out for revenge when the two sides meet in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The hosts play their first league game after the winter break against the side they knocked out of the Coupe de la Ligue last month.

Nantes are going for a third straight win in the league, while their opponents are battling relegation and go into the clash on the back of six defeats in seven in the league.

Both sides claimed Coupe de France wins over lower-division opposition last weekend and Veretout wants his side to show the same professionalism which earned them a 4-0 success over Club Franciscain.

He said on the club website: "We expect a tough game. Metz will certainly be out for revenge following their elimination in the Coupe de la Ligue.

"We have to carry on with the same dynamic that earned us progression in the Coupe de France if we are to have a good start to the year."

Veretout's team-mate Vincent Bessat, who spent three seasons with Metz, insists the hosts' main objective is still survival, although there is room to aim higher.

"Although our primary objective remains staying up, if we have achieved that by the end of February we will have earned the right to dream of more," he said on the Metz website.