The preview: Paris-Metz

TABLE UPDATE

Following the last-gasp 1-1 draw away to LOSC, Paris Saint-Germain's run of 7 consecutive Ligue 1 wins came to an end, but they remain unbeaten in 11 games in France (9 wins, 2 draws). After 16 league games, Paris now have 37 points and have increased their lead at the top of the table ahead of OGC Nice, who are five points behind.

As for FC Metz, the Grenats have had a slow start to the season, with 16 points from 16 games and 14th position in Ligue 1. After back-to-back wins over Nantes (3-1) and Lorient (2-3), Les Messins are on a run of 3 consecutive defeats, all without finding the back of the net. Last week, the Grenats lost at home to Montpellier HSC by the narrowest of margins (0-1), despite creating numerous chances.

a look back at the last meeting

The two sides last met on Matchday 38 of the 2021-2022 season at the Parc des Princes on 21 May 2022. While Paris were already crowned champions of France ahead of this final matchday, Metz were still fighting for their survival in the top flight. Metz therefore came out against the Parisians with a lot of fight, as Farid Boulaya and Pape Matar Sarr both had chances in the first quarter of an hour. The capital club responded through chances for Léo Messi and then Presnel Kimpembe, before Kylian Mbappé managed to open the scoring (1-0, 25'). Three minutes later, Les Rouge et Bleu doubled their lead thanks to a superb pass from Léo Messi to Kylian Mbappé on the left side of the box (2-0, 28').

A second goal was followed by a third when Neymar Jr poked the ball home after a good pass from Angel Di Maria (3-0, 32'). After the break, Mbappé took advantage of Boubacar Kouyaté's error to beat the opposition goalkeeper and complete his hat-trick (4-0, 50'). Things did not get any easier for the visitors, who had to finish the game with ten men after Boubacar Traoré was sent off just before the hour mark (58'). Angel Di Maria rounded off a spectacular victory for the Parisians with a left-footed shot from close range (5-0, 68').

the opposition

László Bölöni and his team mainly opearte in a 4-2-3-1 system. In goal, Alexandre Oukidja is one of the Lorraine team's key men. The 35-year-old Algerian international (6 caps) has a 74.4% save success rate so far this season. Ahead of him, the experienced Ismaël Traoré (251 Ligue 1 appearances) has established himself as the leader in central defence. The Côte d'Ivoire international (19 caps) is regularly accompanied by another familiar face in France: Christophe Hérelle. Hérelle is Metz's most accurate passer (91% of passes completed), putting him one place ahead of team-mate Fali Candé, who has made the most clearances in the Lorraine squad (63).

On the right side of the defence, Frenchman Maxime Colin has shown his qualities to make himself an undisputed starter. On the other side of the pitch, it is the indispensable Matthieu Udol (3 assists in 2023/2024) who should logically start against the Parisians. Captain of the Grenats, he is the Messinian who has the most touches per game on average since the start of the season (58). In midfield, it is Danley Jean Jacques who leads the way, as the Haitian defensive midfielder is the most used outfield player in the FCM squad up to now. Alongside him, 19-year-old Lamine Camara is holding his own despite the presence of Kévin N'Doram and Habib Maïga in the Lorraine squad. The Senegalese international (8 caps) is essential in midfield, with his 95 recoveries making him the most effective player in this department this season.

On the right wing, former SC Bastia player Kevin Van Den Kerkhof has been coming into his own in recent months. Used to playing further down the flank, the Algerian international (4 caps) has been making regular appearances in a right midfield role of late. As for the left flank, it is mainly occupied by Cheikh Sabaly. The new Senegalese international (1 cap), scorer of 3 goals in 14 league games, is in direct competition with his compatriot, Papa Amadou Diallo. Playing as a second striker, Ablie Jallow is the most likely option to start the game.

The Gambia international (27 caps, 7 goals), who can also play as a winger, is the most decisive player in Ligue 1 for Metz this season (3 goals, 1 assist). Finally, in the number 9 role, Simon Elisor is tipped to start at the Parc des Princes. In the absence of Óscar Estupiñán, the Colombian international on loan from Hull City who is currently injured, it is the former AC Ajaccio centre-forward who has been László Bölöni's choice so far. However, after three consecutive defeats, the Romanian coach could have some surprises in store.

VITINHA - LAMINE CAMARA: THE CLASH OF THE MATCH

Wednesday evening's midfield battle promises to be a decisive one. On the Paris side, Luis Enrique's team can count on Vitinha, who has been in fine form since the start of the season. Against a spirited LOSC side, the Portuguese international once again proved his importance, with 67 touches during the match (the highest total for a midfielder). Always there to support his side's attacking moves and create danger in front of goal, Vitinha also proved vital in defensive duties, particularly in the area of recovery, where he shone once again against Lille (9 recoveries, the highest total of the match among Parisian midfielders).

Opposite him, Lamine Camara is becoming an increasingly important member of the Metz team. The 19-year-old, who joined Senegal's senior team at the start of the year, has impressed in midfield. In his first season in the top flight, this box-to-box midfielder has already established himself as one of FC Metz's key players. Omnipresent in midfield, he is the Metz player with the most tackles so far this season (23). But his attacking contribution is just as important for the Lorraine outfit, as he is the Grenats player who has created the most actions leading to a shot this season (37). Recently named as one of the finalists for the Young African Player of the Year for 2023, Lamine Camara should provide Vitinha with a challenging opposition in midfield. It remains to be seen who will come out on top...