21 September 2021, 14:16 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The French Ligue 1 fixture, FC Metz vs. Paris Saint-Germain, kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Matchday 7, Wednesday, September 22 at the 25,636-capacity Stade Saint-Symphorien.
Preview Metz Ligue 1, Sep 22, 2021
Preview FC Metz were thrashed, 3-0 in Friday's Matchday 6 fixture against Strasbourg at the Stade de la Meinau. Ludovic Ajorque (6' P.) established the lead for Strasbourg from the penalty spot before a brace by Habib Diallo (26' & 40') wrapped up the three points for the Racers five minutes before the break. The defeat leaves Metz rooted to the bottom of the table in 20th place, and with consecutive defeats after five games: LDDLL, having picked up 3 points from 0W, 3D, & 3L. Metz have 6 goals (1 goal scored per game) but conceded 13 times, and are left with a G.D. of -7. Frédéric Antonetti's probable 3—4—2—1 formation could have Ibrahima Niane in attack for this game against PSG.
Preview Paris Saint Germain Ligue 1, Sep 22, 2021
Preview PSG picked up a hard-fought 2-1 win over Lyon at the Parc des Princes on Sunday. The casual defending had left Lucas Paqueta (54') in plenty of space, and gave Karl Toko Ekambi the opportunity to pick out the Brazilian for the game's first goal. Minutes later, Neymar (66' P.) restored parity for Les Parisiens from the penalty spot after sending the Lyon goalkeeper, Anthony Lopes, in the wrong direction. Mauricio Pochettino made the change, swapping Lionel Messi for Achraf Hakimi in the 76th minute, with the Argentine subsequently snubbing a handshake from the coach after he was taken off. At 1-1 and in stoppage-time, Mbappe provided the cross for an off-the-bench Mauro Icardi (90+3'), whose header was cleverly disguised, it left Lopes leaping in the wrong direction. We have great players in the squad, Pochettino said after the game. These are decisions we need to take, sometimes it pleases people, or it doesn't, he added. I asked him how he was, and he said he was fine. Pochettino included, referring to the incident which followed Lionel Messi's substitution. The victory leaves PSG at the top of the Ligue 1 table, having picked up 18 points from 6W, 0D, & 0L. PSG have 18 goals after six Ligue 1 games, an average of 3 goals scored per game, and have conceded 6 goals (1 goal-conceded-per-match) so far. With five victories in a row: WWWWW, Pochettino is eager to see the run continue at the end of Matchday 7. After the rude gesture, a revert to the 4—3—3 formation could be seen on Wednesday, with Lionel Messi dropping to the bench. Marco Verratti remains sidelined with a knee injury and is in doubt for this fixture.