Paris Saint-Germain vs Metz: Ligue 1 Title Push at Parc des Princes

Paris Saint-Germain vs Metz is the highlight of Ligue 1 Gameweek 23 on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as the reigning champions welcome the relegation-threatened visitors to Parc des Princes. PSG sits second in the table, firmly in the mix for the title.

Paris Saint-Germain returns to Ligue 1 action at the Parc des Princes, aiming to respond after a testing run of fixtures that included a dramatic Champions League comeback in midweek. PSG’s squad rotation and injury list have added selection headaches for manager Luis Enrique, who must balance European commitments with the club’s league ambitions.

Metz makes the short trip to the capital desperate for points as they fight to climb out of the relegation zone. The visitors have struggled for consistency this season and will be under pressure to tighten defensively and find a route to goal if they are to leave Paris with anything.

PSG is likely to control possession and generate the better chances, while Metz will aim to capitalize on set pieces and counterattacks.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Metz – Date, Time, Predictions, and More

Match	Paris Saint-Germain vs Metz
Competition	Ligue 1
Date	21 February 2026
Kick-off	21:05 CET (Paris) / 15:05 ET / 20:05 UTC
Venue	Parc des Princes

Team News and Analysis

Paris Saint-Germain: Ousmane Dembélé is the major absentee, having sustained a left calf injury during the midweek Champions League clash against Monaco. Fabián Ruiz remains a doubt as he continues individual training, while Senny Mayulu and Quentin Ndjantou are officially ruled out. Luis Enrique’s 4-3-3 averages 62% possession and 18 shots per home game—set to overwhelm Metz’s press.

FC Metz: The visitors receive a major boost with the return of defensive midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin from suspension and Boubacar Traoré from an ankle injury. However, veteran Benjamin Stambouli remains sidelined with a rib fracture, and forward Joseph Mangondo is still recovering from a knee issue. Their 4-2-3-1 concedes 1.8 per game but scores 1.0; press forces 10 turnovers but falters top-side.

Analysis: PSG’s home dominance (unbeaten in 16 vs Metz) vs. Metz’s grit; injuries blunt visitors—expect PSG control, with second-half subs decisive.

Head-to-Head Record

PSG have been dominant, winning 22 of their 27 matches against Metz, who have managed just 3 victories and 2 draws. PSG have taken the last 16 meetings in a row, averaging nearly 3 goals per game.

All-time H2H

Date	Competition	Result	Score
Dec 13, 2025	Ligue 1	Metz 2-3 PSG	2-3
May 11, 2024	Ligue 1	PSG 3-1 Metz	3-1
Dec 3, 2023	Ligue 1	Metz 0-0 PSG	0-0
Mar 19, 2023	Ligue 1	PSG 2-0 Metz	2-0
Sep 4, 2022	Ligue 1	Metz 1-2 PSG	1-2

Parc des Princes: PSG 8-0-0 vs. Metz in last 8.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Metz Starting XI Lineups

Bradley Barcola France Soccer Team Player - PSG

PSG (4-3-3): Chevalier; Zaire-Emery, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez; Fernandez, Vitinha, Kang-in; Doue, Ramos, Barcola
Metz (4-2-3-1): Fischer; Kouao, Sane, Mboula, F. Toure; Munongo, Hein; Michal, Deminguet, Tsitaishvili; Diallo

Enrique/Tavenot briefings: PSG Dembélé right; Metz Hein central. Subs: Ruiz (PSG if fit), Mangondo (Metz).

Key Players

Category	PSG	FC Metz
Top Scorer	Bradley Barcola (7 Goals)	Gauthier Hein (6 Goals)
Playmaker	Vitinha (7 Assists)	Gauthier Hein (4 Assists)
Defensive Anchor	João Neves / Nuno Mendes	Jean-Philippe Gbamin / Koffi Kouao
Goalkeeper	Lucas Chevalier (expected)	Jonathan Fischer

Match Prediction

PSG’s quality and home aura overpower Metz’s resolve in a Ligue 1 statement, securing a comfortable win via possession and set-piece mastery. Granotas frustrate but yield.