PSG will aim to end 2023 on a high note as they play their last competitive game of this year at home against Metz.
Luis Enrique appeared frustrated at the end of their game against LOSC Lille at the weekend after a stuttering performance from his players. PSG, who face Metz this midweek, needed a Kylian Mbappe penalty midway through the second half to break the deadlock but suffered due to their lack of fluidity in the attacking areas.
A late Jonathan David strike deep into second-half stoppage time ensured Lille shared the spoils. PSG entered this game in a rich vein of scoring form against their opponents. Still, it counted for nothing against this side, as Marco Asensio’s poor pass to the Canadian suffered the ultimate punishment.
Luckily for PSG, it did not hurt much in the contest for their top spot on the table as the closest rival, OGC Nice, suffered a terrible defeat against Le Havre. Enrique would want his team to finish the calendar year on a high note as they take on Metz in the final game of 2023, aiming to extend the gap at the top of the table.
Metz boss Laszlo Boloni will have raised plenty of concern in the dressing room after their latest defeat about the lack of penetration in the final third. The narrow loss to Montpellier was their third in a row where they failed to find the back of the net.
Metz’s inconsistent form continued at the weekend, and it has taken them closer to the relegation zone, as they sit in 14th place with 16 points on board. Boloni will have hoped to finish the calendar year on a positive note. But the daunting task of getting something out of the Parc des Princes seems improbable, considering PSG will be all fired up to end the year in top form.
Team News & Tactics
Paris Saint-Germain
Luis Enrique changed and shuffled his pack against Lille amid a crunch fixture period for the Parisians. The manager might bring back some of those familiar names and potentially change the system to suit their powers, but more importantly, to improve their attacking efficiency.
Gianluigi Donnarumma could return to the lineup after serving his suspension, which could spell the end for Arnau Tenas’s brief spell between the sticks. Achraf Hakimi, Randal Kolo Muani, and Milan Skriniar could also return and add some freshness to an otherwise inept performance from PSG over the weekend.
Lee Kang-in might drop down to the bench due to a system change from Enrique, who might prefer Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha and Manuel Ugarte as his starting midfield trio. Similarly, he could revert to a back four, with Hakimi and Skriniar returning to the fold.
There’s a feeling Enrique might stick with Bradley Barcola and Kylian Mbappe in the attacking third, with Kolo Muani the only change, replacing Ousmane Dembele. Mbappe could also switch back to the left-hand side of the attack, with Barcola starting on the other wing.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha; Barcola, Kolo Muani, Mbappe
Metz
Laszlo Boloni does not have too many fitness-related issues heading to Paris, as Oscar Estupinan and Aboubacar Lo are the only potential absentees for this one.
Some may have raised concerns about Lamine Camara and Ablie Jallow, but Laszlo Boloni only hauled them off at halftime for tactical reasons. The manager could tweak his system for this formidable clash against PSG, as he could field a back five in place here.
He will retain the same set of defenders from the previous game but include centre-back Fali Cande in the mix. Kevin N’Doram could also feature in the midfield alongside Danley Jean Jacques, indicating that Boloni wants a solid base in the middle.
Beyond those minor tweaks and a change of personnel in certain areas, Boloni might retain the core of his players. Simon Elisor will lead the line as things stand, hoping to trouble the PSG defence and earn something for Metz.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Oukidja; Colin, Traore, Herelle, Cande, Udol; Van Den Kerkhof, Jacques, N’Doram, Asoro; Elisor
Key Stats
- PSG have won their last 13 matches against Metz in all competitions.
- Paris Saint-Germain have kept a clean sheet in their last 5 home matches against Metz in all competitions.
- Paris Saint-Germain are unbeaten in their last 11 games in Ligue 1.
- Metz have not scored in their last three games, losing each of them.
- Metz have earned ten of their 16 points away from home this season.
Player to Watch
Bradley Barcola
Luis Enrique has big choices when choosing his attackers and has made timely changes to rotate his ranks. However, since Bradley Barcola’s summer arrival, the former Lyon man has seen ample game time in this team, starting the last two Ligue 1 games.
However, he does not have much to show regarding goals and assists. There is an opportunity brewing in the background, with suggestions that Ousmane Dembele is not too much in favour of the Spanish manager. The French winger has also shown a loss in form, which should make Barcola seize the opportunity and make his presence known to Enrique.
Prediction
PSG 3-0 Metz
The Parisians are in top form despite their minor setback at the weekend. They are the league’s most prolific team and will be fired up to put on a show at home in the final game 2023. Metz, on the other hand, are struggling in the attacking third, which could fall into the hands of the Parisians ahead of this upcoming clash.
Metz’s struggles could mean they might be in for another demoralising defeat, as PSG will smell blood and put on a prolific performance. Stars like Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola are eager to make a significant mark this season, and this might be that game to do so right before the winter break.
