Paris-Reims: Keep the flame alive

Just three days after their brilliant performance against Manchester City in the Champions League (4-2), Paris Saint-Germain are set to return to the Parc des Princes for Matchday 19 of Ligue 1 against Stade de Reims this Saturday 25 January 21:05. From the league table and momentum to key players to watch, here’s an overview of the match awaiting our Rouge et Bleu against a Reims side that has often caused them trouble in recent seasons.

A look at the league table 

After a promising start to the season, Stade de Reims have faced a tougher beginning to the calendar year, suffering two consecutive league defeats against Saint-Étienne (3-1) and Nice (4-2). While their qualification for the Coupe de France Round of 16 against Monaco (1-1, 3-1 on penalties) was a morale booster, the side from Champagne failed to build momentum in Ligue 1 last week with a 1-1 draw against Le Havre. As a result, the Rouge et Blanc find themselves in 13th place in the league with 21 points from 18 matches.

On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain continue to dominate the domestic scene. Following their victories over Monaco in the Trophée des Champions (1-0) and Manchester City in the Champions League (4-2), the Rouge et Bleu have maintained their momentum in Ligue 1, as demonstrated by wins against Saint-Étienne (2-1) and most recently Lens (2-1). These performances have solidified the club from the capital's position at the top of the table, now with 46 points and a nine-point lead over their nearest rival.

FORM in numbers 

The opposition's STREngths 

Luka Elsner and his side primarily operate in one of two tactical setups: a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2. In goal, Franco-Senegalese goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf, who has kept three clean sheets in the league this season, has established himself as the first choice. Ahead of him, the central defensive pairing of Joseph Okumu and Cédric Kipré has earned widespread approval. Kipré, who joined from English side West Bromwich Albion last summer, is preferred over youngster Abdoul Koné. On the right side of defence, Aurélio Buta stands out with his ability to attack. The player, on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt, enjoys freedom in his role and is expected to start again against Paris.

On the opposite flank, competition is fierce between Sergio Akieme and 19-year-old Nhoa Sangui. However, Sangui, a product of the Reims academy, has been favoured so far over his Spanish teammate. In midfield, French U21 international Valentin Atangana continues his impressive rise through the ranks. He is likely to be joined on Saturday evening by the indispensable Marshall Munetsi, who has picked up 4 goals and 1 assist in 17 Ligue 1 matches this season, and by team captain Teddy Teuma, the true leader in the heart of the team.

On loan from Paris Saint-Germain, Gabriel Moscardo will miss the match as he is currently competing in the U20 Copa America with Brazil. He is not the only midfielder absent, as Yaya Fofana and Reda Khadra are both sidelined with injuries. On the right wing, Japanese international Junya Ito (4 goals, 3 assists) will undoubtedly be a key player to watch. The technical leader of the Rouge et Blanc is expected to once again pair up with his compatriot Keito Nakamura (7 goals, 1 assist), who is likely to be deployed on the left flank.

In that position, young Mamadou Diakhon (19 years old) has displayed promising qualities in recent weeks, but the French U20 international might start on the bench on Saturday night. This could open the door for Ivorian international Oumar Diakité (4 goals, 1 assist) to reclaim his spot in the centre of the attack, which has recently been occupied by Keito Nakamura. With Danish international Mohamed Daramy sidelined due to a knee injury that has kept him out for most of the season, Reims are expected to rely on its experienced attacking trio once again.