Preview: 5 things about Paris - Nantes
Paris Saint-Germain Handball return to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin on Sunday for their first league match of the season against Nantes, in Round 4 of the Liqui Moly Starligue. The Parisians will be looking to continue their unbeaten run in the league against a particularly tough opponent.
1. ADVANTAGE PARIS
After facing each other in the Trophée des Champions, Paris Saint-Germain and Nantes are meeting for the second time this season. Led by an imperious Kamil Syprzak, scorer of eight goals, Les Rouge et Bleu won their first title of the season (35-25).
While the Parisians have won their first four games of the season, Nantes were held at home by Limoges in Round 3 (34-34). Nantes are now fourth, one point behind the capital club, who are joint leaders with Montpellier and Nîmes.
2. ATTACK AND DEFENCE FIRING
At the start of the season, Kamil has been on a scoring spree. The Polish international is the league's second-top scorer, with 32 goals in four games, and his attacking prowess has been a major factor in the capital club's unblemished record. While they can rely on their efficiency in front of goal, their defensive solidity is also remarkable, led in particular by the unbeatable Jannik Green, who has already made 39 saves in three games this season.
3. TWO IRON DEFENCES
At the start of the season, Raul Gonzalez's men are one of the strongest defending teams in the Liqui Moly Starligue, as are Nantes. The and Paris have conceded 84 and 87 goals respectively in the first four rounds of the league, putting them in second and third places respectively in the ranking of the league's best defences.
4. HEAD TO HEAD
This will be the 29th meeting between Paris and Nantes, a fixture eagerly awaited by handball fans across France. The capital club have the edge, with 17 wins to eight losses and three draws.
5. TO FOLLOW THE MATCH
Throw-off: 17:00
Television: BeIN SPORTS 3
Social networks: Live-Tweet
(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)