AS Monaco are gearing up for a crucial Ligue 1 clash tonight as they travel to face bottom-of-the-table FC Metz. With the UEFA Champions League race heating up, every point matters for Les Monégasques, who currently sit six points behind Olympique Lyonnais and Lille OSC in third and fourth place, respectively.
All eyes will be on Paul Pogba, who is poised to make his first start for Monaco since joining the club in the summer. The former FIFA World Cup winner has been sidelined for much of the season due to injury, making only brief appearances off the bench. This potential start marks a significant milestone in his return to form, and fans will be eager to see if he can bring his trademark creativity and physical presence to the midfield.
Elsewhere in the lineup, Ansu Fati is expected to drop to the bench after starting in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Toulouse FC. The FC Barcelona loanee will likely be replaced by Russian international Aleksandr Golovin on the left side of the attack, adding a different dynamic to Monaco’s forward line.
The predicted starting XI features a strong blend of experience and youth: Lukas Hradecky in goal; a defensive line of Wout Faes, Denis Zakaria, and Thilo Kehrer; a midfield engine room with Simon Adingra, Paul Pogba, Lamine Camara, and Jordan Teze; and an attacking trio of Aleksandr Golovin, Folarin Balogun, and Maghnes Akliouche. This lineup suggests Monaco are going all out for the win, aiming to close the gap on the top four and keep their European dreams alive.
For fans looking to rep their favorite players, this match is a perfect opportunity to gear up in Monaco’s latest kit or grab a Pogba jersey—because when a star like him finally gets his first start, you’ll want to be part of the story.
