Preview: 5 things about Toulouse - Paris
After a fine 40-33 win in Bucharest, Paris Saint-Germain handball have a second away game this week. This time, the Les Rouge et Bleu take on Toulouse in the Liqui Moly StarLigue (Matchday 13).
1 - Form
As has been the case for several seasons now, Toulouse are in good shape! Once again this year, the team from the south-west of France have pulled off some fine results. One of them was a convincing 35-29 win over Nantes, who sit second behind the Parisians. The only real blot on their copybook was a heavy defeat on their own turf against Saint-Raphaël (27-36). Despite having their postponed match against Ivry (M11) up their sleeves, our next opponents are in fifth place, two points behind fourth-placed Saint-Raphaël and six clear of sixth-placed Aix.
For their part, the capital club continue to sweep all before them. The only team with 12 wins from as many games, our team sit in first place, two points clear of their nearest rivals (Nantes). Last week, Raul Gonzalez's men turned in another fine performance at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin against Cesson-Rennes (35-29).
2 - An almost impregnable defence
What has been Toulousain's strong point this season? Without doubt, it's their defence. Fenix's rearguard is the best in our league, with only 321 goals conceded (albeit in fewer games than most of their rivals). Paradoxically, the club's number 1 goalkeeper, Jef Lettens, has ‘only’ made 96 saves. A sign that his defenders are doing an excellent job of protecting their target.
VICTOIRE 🤩
— FENIX Toulouse Handball (@FENIX_HB) November 15, 2024
Sur un dernier arrêt de notre belge préféré Jef Lettens, le FENIX s'impose ce soir à Istres 😁
Rendez-vous mardi au Palais, pour la dernière soirée Européenne à domicile de la première phase 👉 https://t.co/had2AMVNcX pic.twitter.com/JQx5WrYfub
3 - A consistently effective attack
Fortunately, Les Rouge et Bleu can rely on an attacking line that scores plenty of goals. With 428 goals notched, the Parisian attack is the most prolific in the LMS. In fact, four of its strikers feature in the top 50 of the scorers chart, including Kamil Syprzak (78 goals), Elohim Prandi (59), Yahia Omar (50) and Ferran Sole Sala (43). The duel around Toulouse's six-yard box looks set to be a fierce one!
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4 - HEAD TO HEAD
This will be the 39th time the two teams have faced each other in the French handball elite. So far, Paris have been clearly dominant, with 30 victories for three draws and five defeats. But beware, Fenix are never easy to handle at the Palais des Sports André Brouat. In fact, it was there in September 2022 that Paris' run of 35 straight wins came to an abrupt end (35-27). Since then, Les Rouge et Bleu have gone from strength to strength, recording three positive results in front of Toulouse.
5 - TO FOLLOW THE MATCH
Throw-off: 17:00
Television: beIN SPORTS 2
Social networks: live-tweet
(Credits: L.Valroff/PSG)