Preview: Paris-Reims

THE TABLE

Paris Saint-Germain are still top of the league after a 0-0 draw away to AS Monaco in the previous round of matches. With 16 wins, seven draws and one defeat in Ligue 1 so far this season, Paris have 55 points from 24 games. Les Rouge et Bleu are currently nine points clear of second-placed Brest, and 13 ahead of AS Monaco, who round out the top three.

For their part, Stade de Reims are enjoying a fairly convincing season, despite a dip in form since the end of 2023. After holding off Racing Club de Lens at home (1-1) and then winning 1-2 against Le Havre in Normandy, Les Rémois lost by the narrowest of margins last week to a solid LOSC side (0-1). With a perfectly balanced record of ten wins, four draws and ten defeats in the league, SDR have 34 points and lie ninth in the table.

FORM IN FIGURES

This Sunday at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain will be aiming for an eighth win in their last ten home league games. Unbeaten in their last 19 Ligue 1 outings, the capital club will be looking to win against an opponent they have beaten five times in their last seven meetings, conceding just one goal in the process. And to do that, Paris will be able to build on their latest Champions League victory, Les Rouge et Bleu having won six of their seven games following Champions League action this season. Faced with Reims' solid defence, the Parisians will have to rely on shots from outside the box, an area in which Luis Enrique's men excel, as they have the highest total of goals scored in this way in the five major European leagues this season (11).

As for Les Champenois, they will be looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the league table, while Les Rémois have won twice in their three Ligue 1 outings since the start of the calendar year: first at Monaco in January (1-3), then at Le Havre in February (1-2). And if they are to put in another top-class performance away from home, the Rouge et Blanc will need to rely on one of their main weapons: Junya Ito. In fine form since the start of the season, the Japanese international has created 13 clear-cut chances for his team-mates in the league this term, the highest total in the Champagne club's squad.

OPPOSITION STRENGTHS

Will Still and his team have two main playing systems: 5-3-2 and 4-4-2. In goal, Yehvann Diouf is the starting 'keeper and there is no doubt that he will be there for kick-off at the Parc des Princes. On the right-hand side of defence, Thomas Foket's return from suspension could convince the Reims staff to opt for a five-man backline. In central defence, there were two players who have been indispensable to the Reims team: Ivorian international Emmanuel Agbadou and Moroccan international Yunis Abdelhamid, their emblematic captain. In the absence of the injured Joseph Okumu, the third central defender could be Thibault De Smet.

The former La Gantoise player can also play at left-back, but Sergio Akieme looks well-placed to complete Reims' defensive line in a left-sided role. In midfield, Marshall Munetsi is a key component of his team, and he could be joined by Amir Richardson ( three goals and one assist in all competitions this season) and Teddy Teuma (six goals and two assists). The latter has a more attacking profile and will be competing with German international hopeful Reda Khadra (one goal, one assist) to start the game. As for Benjamin Stambouli, the former Parisian could come on in a more defensive role.

Up front, Junya Ito ( two goals, five assists) should obviously start and bring all his creativity to bear. Alongside him, Danish international Mohamed Daramy ( five goals, six assists) and recent African champion Oumar Diakité (three goals) should be vying for a place in the starting line-up. Despite his versatility, Japanese international Keito Nakamura (two goals, one assist) seems to be set for a start on the bench, as are youngsters Mamadou Diakhon (18) and Adama Bojang (19). All of which adds up to a well-balanced team that the Parisians will have to be wary of if they are to pick up their second win of the week...