PSG travel to Metz after frustrating midweek Champions League outing

PSG once again find themselves somewhat inconsistent, as after a dominant win last weekend against Rennes, they limped to a 0-0 draw away in Bilbao in midweek, in what was a frustrating game in which they created a number of chances but were unable to put any of them away.

PSG set their eyes on Metz to close the gap with Lens

It isn’t the first time this season that questions will be raised about PSG’s potency in front of goals, with big chances frequently going begging, both in Ligue Un, and in the Champions League. Tonight’s game against Metz on paper seems like it could be the perfect remedy for these issues, given Metz’s position at the foot of the Ligue Un table.

Luis Enrique’s men could finish the game week in second place regardless of today’s score, with Lens still a point ahead of them. Lens play Nice at home tomorrow in what will to be a game to keep an eye on for Luis Enrique.

This is PSG’s last league game before the winter break that divides the French domestic football calendar. In truth, it has been a strange season for the European Champions. They have displayed some brilliant form at times, dismantling teams with ease, notably in the Champions League – Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham have both been put to the sword by the Parisians, and the win in Barcelona was big as well for Luis Enrique’s men.

This being said, it has been a season that for the most part has been a struggle so far. None of PSG’s star attackers have truly managed to stay fit for a consistent period, both of their fullbacks and two of their starting midfielders have also been struck down by injuries at various points, and their new goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has displayed such erratic form that he has now been dropped in favour of Russian backup Matvei Safonov.

Not only have the club been beset by these injuries and this general misfortune, but there is a general sense of lack of continuity at times this season. The starting line up for the Parisians changes drastically from one week to the next, with players like Gonçalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola excluded at various points in favour of academy youngsters.

There is a sense amongst PSG fans, however, that once everyone is back fit and the first team is available once again, a lot of the issues that have plagued the club so far this season will largely disappear – with PSG still faring well enough in the Champions League to be all but assured of automatic qualification, although they really will be disappointed with their Ligue Un struggles.

PSG will see tonight’s game against Metz as a good opportunity to boost their confidence before the winter break, to reintegrate some names into the squad (Ousmane Dembélé and Desiré Doué could both feature) and to put pressure on Lens ahead of their clash tomorrow. This season still has the potential to be special for the Parisians.