Le Mans coach Rudi Garcia insists his team can be proud of their efforts this season, even though they have failed in their attempts to qualify for next season's UEFA Cup.
Les Manceaux's goalless home draw with Marseille last weekend means they will fail in their unlikely bid to finish fifth.
But they are currently eighth and have already sealed their highest finish in the top flight.
Garcia now wants his men to enjoy their last game of the season, which comes against rock-bottom Metz.
"It is a great end to the season - we wanted to make it the club's best season in Ligue 1 and we have done it," he said.
"Nobody has taken six points off us and I am proud of the lads."
If results go Le Mans' way, they could still finish in sixth position.
Metz, without a victory since March 8, have only won four games all season.
They were relegated a month ago and are already making plans for life in Ligue 2.
Absent for last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Lorient, Cyril Chapuis (quadricep) and Cheikh Gueye (muscle problem) are again out this Saturday.
Cedric Barbosa (knee) is also missing while Eric Cubilier (Achilles) is a doubt.
Le Mans could be without their two Ivorians, Romaric (knee) and Gervinho (ankle).
Ibrahima Camara also has an ankle knock, while Daisuke Matsui (muscle problems) and Gregory Cerdan (knee) are struggling with their injuries.
If he does play, it will be Matsui's last match for Le Mans before he joins St Etienne for next season.
Marko Basa (Achilles) should be fit.