Preview: 5 things about Paris - Kiel (23-24)

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On Thursday, Paris Saint-Germain Handball host Kiel on EHF Champions League Matchday 6. Let's take a look ahead to this top-of-the-table clash at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin.

1. THE TABLE

The Parisians are joint-top of Group A with Kiel. Raul Gonzalez's men are coming off back-to-back wins against Pelister (31-26) and Aalborg (33-30), both at Coubertin. With just one defeat in the first five games, Paris are well on the way in their European campaign. Against Kiel, the aim will clearly be to win in order to take sole control of the group.

Defeated 34-30 by Kolstad in Norway last week, Kiel tasted defeat for the first time in this Champions League campaign, having won four in a row before that. While the Germans have been nearly irreproachable on the continental stage, they have been having a harder time of things in the league. With four defeats in their first nine games, the Zebras are in seventh place in the Bundesliga.

2. HEADLINE CLASH

A classic on the European stage, the match between Paris and Kiel is always a thrilling encounter. Both currently sit atop Group A - with the same record (four wins, one loss) - making this a top-of-the-table clash the result of which could be crucial when the final reckoning comes in March. As has been the case since the start of the season, Les Rouge et Bleu will be counting on the support of their fans at Coubertin for what is probably one of the most exciting encounters of this early season.

3. THE OTHER MATCHES

Among the other fixtures in Group A, Kolstad travel to Denmark to take on Aalborg in the match day's other big clash. Currently in third place, the Norwegians will be looking to extend their lead over Aalborg, who are just one point behind their opponents. After five defeats in as many games this season, Pelister will be looking to open their points tally when they host Kielce. Finally, Szeged will be aiming to close the gap on the play-off places with a home win over Zagreb.

4. HEAD TO HEAD

In their 16 meetings with Kiel, Les Rouge et Bleu have won eight, lost six and drawn two. The Parisians and Germans have met in the quarter-finals of the last three editions of the EHF Champions League. Last season, Raul Gonzalez's men won the double-header (27-31 / 32-29).

5. TO FOLLOW THE MATCH

Throw-off: 20:45
Television: Eurosport
Social networks: Live-tweet

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)