Metz vs Monaco – News and Probable Lineups

Facing a critical situation regarding their Ligue 1 status, Metz will be back in action on Saturday, hosting Mônaco at Stade Saint-Symphorien.

The team from Lorraine sits at the bottom of the table after a thrilling 4-4 draw against Le Havre last weekend, whereas Les Monégasques are in seventh place after a 2-2 stalemate with Toulouse.

Match overview

While mathematically possible, it would require an extraordinary effort for Metz to avoid relegation this season.

With just three matches left, Benoit Tavenot’s squad finds themselves nine points adrift of Auxerre in the playoff race, and Auxerre holds a significantly better goal differential than Les Grenats.

Their spell in the top division may be coming to an end, but they can still secure a measure of pride with a win, as they have not achieved a competitive victory in 2026.

At home, they have only managed to earn two points domestically this year and have scored a goal or less in five of these matches.

A point this weekend would at least ensure they do not replicate Montpellier’s dismal 2024-25 Ligue 1 season when they finished with just 16 points.

If Metz cannot secure a win in their remaining three Ligue 1 matches, they will finish with fewer victories than any club in this league since the format changed to a 34-game season in 2023-24.

Though Mônaco do not face relegation threats, their aspirations for European qualification are highly uncertain.

This development has come as a surprise given that Sebastien Pocognoli’s men were unbeaten in seven consecutive Ligue 1 matches until recently but have now failed to win their last three fixtures.

As they head into this weekend, they are two points behind Marseille in the race for a spot in the Conference League next season, with four matches still to play.

On the road, they risk going winless in three domestic fixtures for the first time this year.

In 2026, they have not lost in this competition when taking the lead first, yet they squandered two crucial points last week after holding a two-goal advantage at half-time.

Les Monegasques have a strong record against Metz, having secured victories in their last eight competitive matches, including three successful visits to Stade Saint-Symphorien.

Team News

For Metz, Cleo Melieres and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are doubtful due to injuries, while Maxime Colin and Boubacar Traore are contending with calf issues.

Additionally, Habib Diallo’s participation is questionable due to a hamstring injury, and Joseph Magondo could also miss out because of knee problems.

Gauthier Hein scored twice against Le Havre last week, alongside goals from Jahyann Pandore and Giorgi Kvilitaia.

For Mônaco, knee injuries might sideline Mohammed Salisu, Takumi Minamino, and Kassoum Ouattara, while Caio Henrique and Vanderson are dealing with thigh strains.

Paris Bruner is likely out this week due to a sore hamstring, and Stanis Idumbo has a shoulder issue.

Jordânia Teze and Lamine Camara scored early in their draw with Toulouse, while Folarin Balogun’s streak of eight consecutive Ligue 1 matches with at least one goal came to an end.

Metz probable starting XI:

Sy; Tower, Healthy, Fall, Red; Stambouli, Deminguet; Sarr, Hein, Czechsville; Quilitare

Mônaco probable starting XI:

Hradecky; These, Kehrer, Faes, Mawissa; Camara, Zakaria; Akliouche, Fati, Golovin; Balogun

When comparing the defensive lapses of Mônaco with those of Metz, the latter’s struggles are more pronounced, suggesting that the Principality club may capitalize on an opponent desperate to take risks this Saturday.