PSG have lost successive league games to open the campaign on a sour note but Wednesday’s home clash with Metz provides a perfect opportunity to quickly put things back in place.
Ligue 1 2020/2021
Date: Wednesday, September 16th
Kick-off: 20:00
Venue: Parc des Princes
After a narrow loss to Lens in their first game of the league season, PSG were dealt another blow when losing 1-0 yet to Olympique Marseille last time out here, Florian Thauvin’s 30th minute volley proving the difference in a foul-tempered encounter.
The latest, arguably up there as one of the craziest game in memory, a classique which saw referee Jerome Brissard toss red cards (five in total) around like confetti, three which were for Neymar, Layvin Kurzawa and Leandro Paredes.
So off the back of just a third home defeat in 76 Ligue 1 games, the loss not only left Thomas Tuchel with a sour taste but with work to do, and his already depleted squad will be shorn of even more quality.
It was their first home league loss since September 2019, but thankfully, the Parisian giants have a strong record over their next opposition, as you have to go as far back as March 1997 to the last time they lost at home to Metz.
Metz have also not fared any better thus far, losing both of their opening games 1-0 to Monaco and Lille respectively, so will have to upset the reigning champions to change their fortunes.
That is easier said than done, as since January 2005, the Maroons have lost all of their last 12 league games against a reigning champion without failing to score a single goal in the first half!
Team news
PSG
We’ve already made mention of Tuchel having a very slim squad due to a number of injury absences, and that includes Kylian Mbappe, Marquinhos and Mauro Icardi.
The trio of Neymar, Kurzawa and Paredes will all sit out on suspension.
Metz
Kévin N’Doram is out with an Achilles tendon while Vagner Gonçalves is struggling with a knee injury.
Manuel Cabit also misses out on fitness issues.
Head to Head
PSG have accrued a significant 17 wins from their last 22 competitive meetings with Metz, with the opposition managing to win thrice and have two draws to show for too.
Team form
PSG last five competitive games: WWLLL
Metz last five competitive games: LWWLL
Betting tips:
Marseille employed a strict rearguard which proved efficient in frustrating their illustrious opposition last time out, but I think PSG will find joy going up against Metz here. After all, the Parisens have scored at least twice in their last nine games against Metz in all competitions, and I think they should continue in that vein though the 1/4 for an outright win is rather a short price.
PSG were 2-0 winners the last time these two met, and we’re snapping up that scoreline to be replicated here, for a decent 8/1 odds on the Correct Score market.
Pablo Sarabia is 11/10 to score anytime for the hosts, and is expected to play a pivotal role for his side in the absence of the regular starters. You can get an even better 15/4 odds for the Spaniard to open the scoring.
You can view all other betting markets for this game here
