Metz v Paris FC: survival fight meets mid-table momentum | OneFootball

Metz host Paris FC in Ligue 1 at Stade Saint-Symphorien on Sunday, 19 April 2026, with the bottom club chasing vital points against opponents arriving on an unbeaten run.

Metz sit 18th on 15 points, while Paris FC are 12th with 35. The visitors won the reverse fixture 3-2 in August, adding a psychological edge as the relegation picture tightens.

Form favours the visitors. Metz are winless in five, drawing 0-0 with Rennes and Nantes across that run and losing at Marseille last time out. Paris FC are unbeaten in five, including a 4-1 win over Monaco and a 3-2 victory against Le Havre, plus draws at Lyon, Strasbourg and Lorient.

Team news could shape selections. Metz list Maxime Colin, Bouna Sarr, Boubacar Traoré, Giorgi Abuashvili, Ousmane Ba, Joseph Mangondo and Believe Munongo as injured. Paris FC are without Moses Simon, Sofiane Alakouch, Pierre-Yves Hamel and Jean-Philippe Krasso through injury, while Lees Melou is suspended.

The match-up may hinge on efficiency at both ends. Metz average 0.9 goals per game and concede 2.2 this season, whereas Paris FC score 1.3 and concede 1.6. Paris FC have also won more aerial duels (333) and deliver with 24.34% cross accuracy, so wide service could test the hosts' defence. For threat, Gauthier Hein leads Metz with six league goals and five assists, while Ilan Kebbal has eight goals and four assists for Paris FC.

A home win would lift Metz to 18 points and could cut the gap to safety. Victory for Paris FC would take them to 38 points and could nudge them towards the top half.