Metz vs Monaco preview - Fixture pile-up irks Jardim

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim expects his side to beat promoted Metz on Saturday - even if he is unhappy at the scheduling of their Ligue 1 clash.

Jardim's side advanced to the quarter-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue on Wednesday evening but only after a penalty shootout victory over Lyon.

They must now travel to Metz looking to move closer to the top five in the league, but with Jardim bemoaning the logic of forcing his players back into action so soon.

"It is quite hard physically," the former Sporting boss explained during his pre-match press conference.

"It would make more sense to play Metz on Sunday - they are a good team but our ambition is to win there. It is more difficult to play against a defensive team. We will need to show our qualities to find solutions to that."

Metz welcome Monaco to the Stade Municipal Saint-Symphorien looking for their first win in any competition since November 1.

After picking up some notable results at the start of the campaign last season's Ligue 2 champions are starting to slide towards the relegation zone but coach Albert Cartier, whose side currently sit 17th in the table, still has belief in his squad.

"We have played 18 games since the start of the season and we have only had four poor performances - that is not bad for a promoted side," he said.

"When you're in hard times it can be difficult to move forward but I think we will be stronger and grow after this difficult time.

"Monaco are a great team, it's an opportunity for us to make a good match. I expect my team to up their game and to play to the levels we are able to."

Metz's chances of picking up a much-needed win before the winter break could be boosted by the fact Monaco midfielder Joao Moutinho is a doubt for the game.

The Portugal international suffered a minor hip injury in the 1-0 win over Marseille - but both Ricardo Carvalho and Lacine Traore are close to returns.