Reims-Paris: maintain momentum

THE TABLE

Beaten at home by Lille (0-2) in the opening game of the season, Reims have bounced back. After  draw in Marseille (1-1), they picked up their first win of the 2024-25 campaign against Rennes (2-1) before winning at Nantes by the same scoreline. With seven points from four matches, Reims are in sixth place in the league table coming into Matchday 5.

Paris Saint-Germain are also on a positive run having won all four league games so far against Le Havre (1-4), Montpellier (6-0), Lille (1-3) and Brest (3-1). With the UEFA Champions League victory over Girona (1-0) on Wednesday, they have now won all five competitive games this season. They lead the Ligue 1 table with a 100% record four games in. 

THE MOMENTUM IN NUMBERS

opposition strengths

Luka Elsner sets up his team in a 4-3-3. France U21 international goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf has an impressive 78% saves-to-shots ratio, and Côte d'Ivoire international and captain Emmanuel Agbadou in front of him adds to the side's defensive solidity.

Joseph Okumu's groin injury means he won't line up alongside him in central defence with Cédric Kipré set to start. At right-back, Aurélio Buta should start with the young Nhoa Sangui (18) preferred to Thibault De Smet in the left-back role. France U21 international Valentin Atangana (19) will play the holding midfield role.

Marshall Munetsi is a key figure in the centre of the pitch with Yaya Fofana and Teddy Teuma likely to be alongside him with Reda Khadra another option. Up front, Junya Ito has hit the ground running and boasts two goal involvements in four matches already.

Fellow Japan international Keito Nakamura is likely to start on the left with Mamadou Diakhon (18) coming off the bench. Through the middle, another Côte d'Ivoire international, Oumar Diakité, is favourite to start despite competition for his place from Amine Salama and perhaps Mohamed Daramy, who has now recovered from a long-term injury.