Monaco's Pogba Makes First Start in Three Years as Metz Fight for Ligue 1 Survival

Key facts

• Metz are last in Ligue 1 with 16 points, nine points from safety with three games remaining.
• Monaco sit seventh, two points off a Conference League spot, after a 2-2 draw with Toulouse.
• Paul Pogba starts for Monaco for the first time in three years.
• Metz have not won a competitive match in 2026 and have only two home points this year.
• Monaco are winless in their last three Ligue 1 games after winning seven in a row.
• Metz need a miracle to avoid relegation; a failure to win any remaining match would set a record for fewest wins since the 34-game season began.

Ligue 1's Bottom Side Faces Near-Certain Relegation

Metz return to action on Saturday at Stade Saint-Symphorien with their Ligue 1 status hanging by a thread. The Lorraine club sit dead last in the table, nine points adrift of Auxerre for the playoff spot with only three matches remaining. A 4-4 draw with Le Havre last weekend did little to improve their mathematical chances, which now require a near-miracle to survive. Benoit Tavenot's men have not won a competitive match in 2026, and their home form has been abysmal: just two points domestically this year, scoring a goal or fewer in five of those fixtures. If they fail to win any of their remaining three games, they will have fewer victories than any Ligue 1 side since the competition moved to a 34-game campaign in 2023-24.

Monaco's European Hopes Falter After Strong Run

Monaco arrive in seventh place, two points below Marseille for the final Conference League qualifying spot, after a 2-2 draw with Toulouse. Sebastien Pocognoli's side are winless in their last three outings, a stark contrast to the seven consecutive Ligue 1 victories they had strung together weeks ago. Away from home, they risk going three domestic matches without a win for the first time this year. Despite their recent dip, Monaco have not lost in 2026 when scoring first, though they squandered a two-goal lead at halftime against Toulouse last week. With four matches remaining, every point is critical for a team that seemed destined for Europe just a month ago.

Pogba's Return Headlines Monaco Lineup

Paul Pogba makes his first start for Monaco in three years, a significant milestone for the midfielder who has battled injuries and suspension. The official lineup sees Pogba join a midfield featuring Camara and Golovin, with Balogun leading the attack. Captain Zakaria anchors the defense alongside Kehrer and Mawissa, while Hradecky starts in goal. Metz field captain Sarr in defense, supported by Gbamin, Sané, and Yegbe. Midfield duties fall to Deminguet, Stambouli, and Hein, with Mbala, Tsitaichvili, and Kvilitaia up front. The hosts are desperate for a spark after a season of struggle.

Metz Face Potential Record of Futility

With 16 points from 31 matches, Metz are on pace to finish with fewer points than Montpellier's dismal 2024-25 campaign, which ended with 16 points. A point this weekend would at least avoid equaling that low, but the team's goal differential is vastly inferior to Auxerre's, making a playoff spot even more unlikely. Should they lose all remaining games, they would set a new low for the 34-game era. The club's last competitive victory came in 2025, and their home record this year is the worst in the division. Tavenot's side have netted a goal or fewer in five of their seven home matches in 2026, highlighting their offensive struggles.

What's at Stake for Both Sides

For Metz, pride and a sliver of mathematical hope are on the line. A win would not only delay relegation but also prevent them from becoming the least successful side in Ligue 1's current format. For Monaco, a victory is essential to keep European ambitions alive. With four matches left, dropping points against the league's worst team would be a major setback. The match also carries implications for the transfer market: Monaco's Krépin Diatta is reportedly set to leave the club, while Metz may face a double relegation if they drop down, potentially affecting Tavenot's future. The outcome at Stade Saint-Symphorien will shape the final weeks of the season for both clubs.

Kickoff and Broadcast Details

The match kicks off at 19:38 UK time on Saturday, 2nd May 2026. Live text commentary and score updates are available, with lineups confirmed: Sy starts in goal for Metz, while Hradecky gets the nod for Monaco. The referee will oversee a contest between a side fighting for survival and one chasing European football. All times are UK, and tables are subject to change. The match is the latest chapter in a Ligue 1 season that has seen Metz spiral toward relegation and Monaco stumble after a brilliant run.

The bottom line

• Metz are nine points from safety with three games left, requiring a miracle to avoid relegation.
• Monaco have lost momentum after seven straight wins, now two points off a European spot.
• Paul Pogba's first start in three years is the headline selection for Monaco.
• Metz have not won a competitive match in 2026 and have the worst home record in Ligue 1.
• A loss for Metz could set a record for fewest wins in the 34-game Ligue 1 era.
• The match is critical for both clubs' season objectives: survival for Metz, Europe for Monaco.