Join us as we look ahead to Saturday's Coupe de France final against Stade de Reims.
HOW THEY GOT THERE
After defeating Still Mutzig (R1, 1-3) in the Round of 64, Reims saw off AS Monaco on penalties (1-1, 3-1 pens.). The Red-and-Whites then defeated amateur side Bourgoin-Jallieu, who had knocked out Olympique Lyonnais, to reach the quarter-finals (0-0, 2-3 pens.). They progressed from the spot once again in an all-Ligue 1 tie with Angers SCO (1-1, 3-5 pens.). They then defeated fourth-tier AS Cannes in the last four (1-2).
Paris Saint-Germain started in Lens (1-1, 3-4 pens.), before disposing of fifth-tier Espaly in the next round (2-4). Third-division Le Mans (0-2) and fourth-tier Stade Briochin (0-7) were the next opponents before Ligue 2 team Dunkerque were disposed of in the semi-finals (2-4).
THE STATS
OPPOSITION STRENGTH
Samba Diawara sets up in a 4-2-3-1. Freshly capped Senegal international Yehvann Diouf will be in goal and captain the side with the experienced Cédric Kipré and Joseph Okumu preferred to Malcolm Jeng and Abdoul Koné (both 20 years old). At right-back, Hiroki Sekine and Aurélio Buta are in contention to start.
At left-back, Sergio Akieme has established himself in recent weeks ahead of Nhoa Sangui. In midfield, Mory Gbane will likely be in the defensive role, ahead of Gabriel Moscardo, who is on loan from Paris. The Brazil U20 international could come off the bench, as could Amadou Koné, who has Valentin Atangana ahead of him in the pecking order.
Yaya Fofana and Teddy Teuma are both unavailable. Further up the pitch, Reda Khadra's injury means we could see Ange Martial Tia (19 ans) or John Patrick, who could also play on the right wing. That would be likely if Japan international Junya Ito (4 goals, 5 assists in all competitions this season) is unavailable.
His compatriot Keito Nakamura (12 goals, 3 assists) will start on the left with Jordan Siebatcheu and Oumar Diakité (4 goals, 1 assist) to contest the role to lead the line. Denmark U21 international Mohamed Daramy is sidelined by injury.
