Metz vs Evian Thonon Gaillard preview - Marchal and Metz feeling the heat

Defender Sylvain Marchal admits time is running out fast as Metz attempt to end a dreadful run of form to drag themselves from the foot of the Ligue 1 table.

The 35-year-old and his team-mates welcome fellow strugglers Evian to the Stade Saint-Symphorien on Saturday knowing their plight is growing more serious by the week.

Marchal told Evian's official website, www.etgfc: "In football, it's always better when you win. We are on a bad run and our chances of survival are shrinking from week to week.

"But we continue to work in good spirits. It is necessary to keep believing. Our situation is difficult, but not impossible. We are trying everything to improve."

Metz are currently six points adrift of safety and without a win in four months since they defeated Caen 3-2 at home on November 1, a run of 14 games.

Indeed, they have managed only five Ligue 1 victories all season and need to improve significantly upon that record over their remaining 12 fixtures if they are to stand any chance of retaining their top-flight status.

In the circumstances, a home game against 18th-placed Evian represents an opportunity they cannot afford to pass up, although the form book suggests that it is the visitors who will go into the game with the greater confidence.

Pascal Dupraz's side have won two of their last four league games, significantly against Toulouse and last time out Lens, both sides currently occupying places inside the bottom four. They also ran high-flying Paris St Germain and Marseille close.

Midfielder Cedric Barbosa told Metz's official website, www.fcmetz.com: "It is true that we have pretty well negotiated these games against teams ranked poorly since January.

"I also accept that we have squandered some points against big teams like Paris and Marseille, where we deserved probably better in those matches."

Evian head into the game two points adrift of Toulouse in 17th place with a game in hand and knowing victory at Metz would ease their own fears while at the same time plunging their hosts further into the mire.