A clash of extremes at the Parc des Princes. Paris Saint-Germain, 2nd in Ligue 1, host FC Metz, 18th, on Saturday, February 21, 2026 (9:05 p.m.). Across 85 meetings since 1971, Paris have largely dominated the fixture and are coming off a 3-2 victory last December.
PSG vs Metz: few surprises expected? According to L’Équipe, Luis Enrique is set to start: Safonov – Hernandez, Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Beraldo – Lee, Vitinha, Zaïre-Emery – Mbaye, Ramos, Doué.
Expected Starting XIs and Tactical Setup
For their part, Le Parisien reports an identical lineup. No major differences are anticipated. The same starting eleven is expected, with the same 4-3-3 structure. The only variation concerns the attacking animation on paper, as Doué could begin on the left or rotate with Mbaye.
Metz: stability at the back, density in midfield. Probable lineup: Fischer – Sané, Mboula, Colin, Kouao – Munongo, Gbamin, Tsitaishvili, Traoré – Michal, Diallo. Metz are expected to operate in a compact block, reinforcing the midfield to contain Parisian control. The objective is clear: close down spaces and capitalize on transitions.
Paris’ youthful attacking talents (Doué, Mbaye) will face a Metz defense under pressure. PSG enter as strong favorites but must remain cautious against an opponent fighting for crucial points in the relegation battle.
