Preview: 5 things about Paris - Nîmes
Paris Saint-Germain Handball kick off their Liqui Moly StarLigue campaign on Saturday when they play host to Nîmes at Coubertin. Find out all you need to know about this match.
1 - Return to Coubertin
Almost four months after taking on Nîmes in the final match of the season at Coubertin (32-33), Les Rouge et Bleu are now preparing to return to their home arena against the same opponents. Starting their Liqui Moly StarLigue campaign against Nîmes is becoming a habit: for the third time in the last nine seasons, Les Rouge et Bleu will begin their quest for another French league title against the side from the Gard region, with the aim of continuing a run of ten consecutive wins on the opening day of the Liqui Moly StarLigue.
2 - New faces
There have been a number of changes to the Parisian squad since the last match at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Nikola Karabatic may have taken a well-deserved retirement after winning his last French title, but Raul Gonzalez has brought in three new faces to strengthen the squad. They include one of the best in his position since his emergence at Veszprém over the last six seasons: Egyptian international right-back Yahia Omar, as well as Dutch international Dani Baijens, who plays alongside Luc. The latter completes the capital club's centre-half duo this season. Finally, Gautier Loredon is making his return to Coubertin after a season on loan at Ivry, where he was able to develop throughout the season to become a mainstay of the Paris-region club.
3 - Yoann Gibelin is back
In addition to Nikola Karabatic, the capital club has also registered the departures of Dominik Mathé, Adama Keita, Sadou Ntanzi and Yoann Gibelin. The latter will be making his return to Coubertin this Saturday, having signed for Nîmes after two seasons with Les Rouge et Bleu. Nîmes are preparing to write a new page in their history after the departures of the emblematic Benjamin Gallego, who ended his career after 14 seasons with the club, and Joze Baznik, nominated as one of last season's best goalkeepers. The Slovenian keeper left for Aix this summer, while Wesley Pardin went in the opposite direction. USAM are always a tricky team to take seriously, and they will be determined to start this new chapter in the best possible way.
4 - HEAD TO HEAD
Having become a traditional fixture in the French league over the years, Paris' clash with the Gard will be the 37th in their history. So far, the capital club have won 26 times, drawn twice and lost eight times. The last time they met, in the final match of the season at Coubertin, Les Nîmois came from behind to surprise Les Rouge et Bleu in a breathless 32-33 victory.
5 - To follow the match
Throw-off: 20:00
Television: BeIn Sports
Social networks: Live-tweet
(Credits: L. Valroff/PSG)