PSG vs Metz – News and Probable Lineups

Metz has the opportunity to climb out of the bottom of Ligue 1 temporarily with a victory on Saturday against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, who are looking to reclaim the top spot.

A 3-1 defeat against Rennes led to the reigning champions dropping to second place, while Metz remained in last after losing 3-1 at home to Auxerre.

Match overview

After securing the top position for three consecutive matchdays, PSG fell down the rankings last week, facing their first away league defeat of 2026.

Luis Enrique’s side has won six home games in a row in this competition, conceding just once during that stretch.

In the 2025-26 season, this team has secured four home victories in this competition by three or more goals, most recently thrashing arch-rivals Marseille 5-0 in their last Ligue 1 fixture at the Parc des Princes.

As they approach matchday 23, they trail Lens by just one point for first place but could reclaim the lead with a win this weekend and if Les Sang et Or fail to take points against Mônaco on Saturday.

This side has already recorded one more defeat in 2025-26 (three) than they did in the last Ligue 1 season, and they could potentially suffer at least four losses in the top flight for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign (seven).

Les Parisiens have not lost to any newly-promoted side this season and have won their last 10 competitive home matches against Metz.

Benoit Tavenot has faced challenges in trying to reset Metz’s season, as the new manager has yet to secure a win since taking over from Stephane Le Mignan.

This Saturday, he aims to change that and lead the team to its first Ligue 1 victory since early November against Nice (2-1).

They have not claimed a win away from home in this competition since November 2 at Nantes, earning only one point on the road since that victory.

The Lorraine club is currently four points adrift of Auxerre for a spot in the relegation playoffs, having suffered a league-high 15 losses in Ligue 1 this season.

Metz has yet to claim a point from any away match in 2025-26 against teams currently in the top five, although they did secure a home win over current Ligue 1 leaders Lens 2-0 in late October.

Les Grenats have not recorded a victory over PSG at the Parc des Princes since 1996, when Robert Pires scored twice to secure a narrow 3-2 win.

Team News

A knee injury is expected to keep Fabian Ruiz out of the PSG lineup this weekend, while Quentin Ndjantou Mbitcha is a doubt due to a strained hamstring, and Senny Mayulu remains uncertain because of a calf strain.

Ousmane Dembele found the net for the eighth time this season last weekend, but he may not feature on Saturday after sustaining a knock and being substituted for Desire Doue during their midweek Champions League match against Mônaco.

For Metz, Pape Sy is still doubtful due to a head injury, Benjamin Stambouli is recovering from a rib issue, Boubacar Traore is dealing with an ankle injury, Joseph Mangondo may miss another match due to a knee problem, and Jean-Philippe Gbamin is available to return from suspension.

Sadibou Sane and Urie-Michel Mboula scored own goals in their defeat to Auxerre, with Nanthan Mbala getting on the scoresheet during stoppage time.

Paris Saint-Germain probable starting XI:

Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez; Fernandez, Vitinha, Kang-in; Doue, Ramos, Barcola

Metz probable starting XI:

Fischer; Kouao, Sane, Mboula, F. Toure; Munongo, Hein; Michal, Deminguet, Tsitaishvili; Diallo

Despite PSG’s Champions League fixture in midweek, we anticipate a straightforward victory for them this weekend, irrespective of the squad Enrique chooses to field.

Metz appears to have too many defensive vulnerabilities and is frequently caught out of position, making it hard for us to believe they can hold off a squad as strong as Les Parisiens for a full 90 minutes.