FC Metz will hope for a miracle as they face champions PSG on the final day of the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season.
Paris Saint-Germain conclude yet another successful Ligue 1 campaign with a visit to the Stade Saint-Symphorien on Sunday, where they will face a Metz side fighting for survival in the relegation playoffs.
While Luis Enrique’s men comfortably leading the league, Metz finds themselves in 16th place in the end-of-season table, battling to avoid automatic demotion should results not go their way.
Metz had a brief resurgence in April with consecutive victories over Lens and Le Havre. However, a recent three-game losing streak has put them at risk of relegation back to Ligue 2.
Although they showed resilience in high-scoring home matches against Rennes and Lille, Metz ultimately suffered defeats. Their loss to Strasbourg in the penultimate matchday was particularly painful, as they squandered a late lead to face a devastating defeat.
Currently, Metz sit three points ahead of 17th-placed Lorient, needing just a draw to secure safety. However, they must overcome a three-point deficit to Le Havre in 15th place and are likely headed for the relegation/promotion playoff.
If they find themselves in that scenario, Metz will contend with one of three Ligue 2 teams in a two-legged showdown for top-flight status. Despite the challenges ahead, the home crowd can take solace in their team’s impressive 11-game scoring streak, the longest since 1995.
As the summer of 2024 approaches, several celebrated names in European football, particularly in management, are bidding farewell. For Kylian Mbappe, PSG’s all-time leading scorer, his final season is not unfolding as planned.
While PSG secured the Ligue 1 title, their Champions League aspirations were dashed in the semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund. Mbappe’s last top-flight home game ended in a 3-1 loss to Toulouse, with reports of a heated exchange with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi adding to the drama.
In Wednesday’s victory over Nice, PSG, without Mbappe, showcased their strength with goals from Bradley Barcola and 18-year-old Yoram Zague. Although Mohamed-Ali Cho pulled one back for Nice, PSG emerged victorious.
With the possibility of reaching 76 points this season, PSG aim to conclude their transitional season with a domestic double, facing Lyon in the Coupe de France final on May 25. The Hard Tackle examines potential lineups and tactics for both sides in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Team News & Tactics
FC Metz
Following the rescinded red card from the loss to Georges Mikautadze make a goalscoring return to action Strasbourg. While they do have their ace goal scorer back, Metz will have to deal with the absence of key players such as Matthieu Udol (muscle injury), Benjamin Tetteh, and Joel Asoro (both unavailable).
Additionally, midfielder Lamine Camara was forced off midway through the second half in the previous weekend’s fixture, leaving his participation this week in doubt. While there is optimism regarding Camara’s availability for the upcoming match, doubts remain over the fitness of Maxime Colin (ankle) and Papa Diallo (head injury). Likely to finish 16th, Metz will hope to build some form ahead of their relegation playoff.
Metz should start in a 4-5-1 formation, with Alexandre Oukidja in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Christophe Herelle, Ismael Traore, Sadibou Sane and Fali Cande.
Kevin N’Doram should start as the pivot in midfield, with Lamine Camara and Danley Jean Jacques in central midfield. They should provide Kevin Van Den Kerkhof and Cheikh Sabaly the freedom to push forward on the flanks. Georges Mikautadze should lead the attack upfront.
Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Oukidja; Herelle, Traore, Sane, Cande; Van Den Kerkhof, Camara, Jacques, N’Doram, Sabaly; Mikautadze
PSG
PSG’s departing legend Kylian Mbappe was notably absent from the victory over Nice, as he was rested due to discomfort in his hamstrings. As the Real Madrid-bound attacker continues to recuperate, his availability for his Ligue 1 farewell match remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele, dealing with a thigh issue, and another soon-to-be former PSG player, Keylor Navas, who was sidelined due to illness, have better prospects of returning to the squad. However, the absence list for PSG includes Lucas Hernandez (ACL injury), Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles issue), Layvin Kurzawa (back problem), and Sergio Rico (head injury).
PSG are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Milan Skriniar, and Lucas Beraldo.
Vitinha should secure the centre of the park, freeing up Fabian Ruiz and Warren Zaire-Emery to push forward. Goncalo Ramos should act as the focal point up front, with Marco Asensio and Bradley Barcola providing the width.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Beraldo; Ruiz, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Asensio, Ramos, Barcola
Key Stats
- Metz have lost their last 13 Ligue 1 games to PSG, and are one loss away from the record of the most consecutive losses to the same opponent in the French top flight.
- Scoring on the night will see Metz find the back of the net in 12 straight Ligue 1 games. This will be their longest such run since 1994-95.
- PSG have won just two of their last six Game Week 34 games.
- PSG have the best attack in Ligue 1, scoring 79 games this season.
- PSG have the second best defence in Ligue 1 while Metz have the second worst.
Player to Watch
Bradley Barcola
With Kylian Mbappe unlikely to feature and given his impending exit, Bradley Barcola now has the opportunity to replace the French icon in PSG’s front three. The 21-year-old has just five goals and nine assists to his name this season, but his ability is there for all to see.
The youngster scored and assisted in PSG’s win over OGC Nice and now arrives at Metz full of confidence. Barcola can also play himself into a spot in PSG’s playing XI for the Coupe de France final with a solid showing this Sunday.
Prediction
FC Metz 0-2 PSG
Metz are a danger on the break, but PSG have the upper hand when it comes to quality and options off the bench. More so, with the cup final to come, the PSG players can consider the game as a testing ground to prove themselves worthy of a spot in the playing XI. The Hard Tackle predicts a comfortable 2-0 win for the visitors on the night.
