Paris Saint-Germain will travel to Stade Municipal Saint-Symphorien to face FC Metz on Wednesday hoping to maintain their perfect start to the new Ligue 1 season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side came from behind to win 2-1 against Lyon at the Parc des Princes on Sunday in what was a controversial game. Substitute Mauro Icardi grabbed a stoppage-time winner, heading home Kylian Mbappe’s cross to retain PSG’s position at the top of the table.
The Parisians head into Wednesday’s clash against FC Metz as absolute favourites, as Pochettino looks to make it seven Ligue 1 wins on the bounce.
Team News
Sergio Ramos is still on the sidelines with a niggling knee issue. Kylian Mbappe shook off his knock sustained early in the second half against Club Brugge in the Champions League last week to play full 90 minutes against Lyon on Sunday.
Predicted PSG Lineup vs FC Metz (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma started his second Ligue 1 game on Sunday and will continue in goal on Wednesday, hoping to keep a clean sheet this time around.
Defence
Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe weren’t at their best against Lyon but Pochettino is set to stick with the centre-back duo. Achraf Hakimi could return to the PSG lineup at right-back in place of Thilo Kehrer. Nuno Mendes will retain his place at left-back after a solid display against Lyon.
Predicted PSG Lineup vs Metz | Ligue 1
Midfield
Idrissa Gueye continues to impress with every passing week at the base of PSG’s midfield. The Senegalese international is one of the first names on Pochettino’s team sheet.
The same goes with Ander Herrera, who has three goals and two assists in six games so far, but Pochettino could opt for Leandro Paredes instead of the Spaniard in midfield because of important games coming up in the next couple of weeks.
Lionel Messi, brought off after 74 minutes on his home debut at the weekend, is expected to start in the no.10 role and the Argentinean maestro will be given the freedom to roam across the final third and cause problems to the Metz defence.
Attack
Kylian Mbappe led the PSG attack against Sunday but could find himself down the right flank in the upcoming fixture. With his blistering pace and dribbling skills, the Frenchman will look to run at the opposition backline. Neymar, who calmly slotted a penalty against Lyon, will keep his place on the left wing.
Spearheading the attack will be Mauro Icardi, who came off the bench to score a last-gasp winner at the weekend.
Before his shoulder injury, the Argentinean striker was in great form and the goal against Peter Bosz’s men should have given him a lot of confidence. He will aim to cement his place in the PSG lineup with competition stiffer than ever.