PSG vs Metz prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-12-19 20:00.
Ahead of the final Ligue 1 matchday of 2023, Paris Saint-Germain sit comfortably at the top of the table, leading by a significant five-point margin over their closest rivals Nice. This impressive performance guarantees PSG the honorary title of "Autumn champions," a moniker they've historically capitalised on, as the last eight instances where PSG have clinched this mid-season accolade, they've gone on to secure the Ligue 1 title!
Their lead at the top couldâve been even greater if a last-minute goal hadn't forced them into a 1-1 draw in Lille on Sunday, a result that ended their impressive streak of eight league victories. Luis Enrique's men will now aim to extend their winning run at the Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 to six games as they host newly-promoted Metz, a side theyâve won the previous nine home H2Hs against.
Metz have an incredibly difficult challenge in front of them, especially as theyâre aiming to end a run of three consecutive losses âto nilâ in Ligue 1, bookended by their 1-0 home defeat against Montpellier last time out. Coach Laszlo Bölöni didnât hold back in his assessment of his players after Sunday's defeat, remarkably stating that they âlacked talentâ.
With their lead over the bottom three teams reduced to just three points ahead of the round, the Maroons are in need of improvements and quickly. Hitting the road should instil confidence as theyâve won ten of their 16 points this season away from home (W3, D1, L4), but adding to that total at this venue may prove difficult, given that Metz have lost their last five visits here without scoring, while also conceding an average of 3.2 goals per game.
Players to watch: Kylian MbappĂ© enjoys playing against Metz, with an average of 1.43 goals per game in seven personal H2Hs his highest against any Ligue 1 team he has faced at least three times. Metz will be looking to Cheikh Sabaly for an early impact, as heâs scored two of his three goals this season inside the opening ten minutes.
Hot stat: The last four H2Hs have witnessed an average of one red card per game.