Preview: Nantes - PSG Handball (19-20)

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On Thursday evening, Paris Saint-Germain Handball arrive at one of the turning points of the 2019-2020 season in the Lidl StarLigue. The league leaders travel to the field of nearest rivals Nantes for Round 17.

Top-of-the-table clash
So far, Les Rouge et Bleu have had the perfect season, with 16 wins from 16 games. A positive balance sheet that gives them a six-point lead over their closest pursuers, who are none other than The H. Raul Gonzalez's men therefore have two things at stake: side from the possibility of a 17th consecutive Lidl StarLigue win this season (for a total winning run of 20, counting the end of the 2018-2019 season), they have the opportunity to take a more than comfortable lead over their runners-up by going eight points clear. A defeat, however, would allow the Nantes to claw their way back to within four points.

Two European clubs
Although it's clearly a domestic clash, Thursday night's match will also have a European flavour to it. Nantes are competing in this year's EHF Cup, where they are in a tough group that includes Gorenje Velenje, Ademar Leon and Magdeburg. After two victories to start their campaign, they had their first bump in the road last Sunday when they lost to the Magdeburg (28-31) on home turf. For their part, the capital club regained second place in Group A of the Velux EHF Champions League following their victory over Elverum (31-25). A win on Sunday against Zagreb in the final round of the group stage would secure their position.

A look back at the first match
In the second round of the league season, Nantes and Paris clashed at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Very quickly, the two clubs made it clear that they would be among the leading teams this season. Indeed, the match lived up to all its promise! At the break, despite a two-goal lead in favour of Les Rouge et Bleu (30': 18-16), it was difficult to predict the outcome of the match. The Parisians finally turned the game in their favour, with Mikkel Hansen's nine goals (32-29) giving them the edge. In all, the Parisians have won 11, drawn two and lost seven of their matches against their direct rivals. Finally, it should be noted that our players have won the last three Lidl StarLigue matches (six counting the Champions League and the Coupe de la Ligue last season).

Key stats
The goals at The H's arena have a lot to worry about! They will most likely be given a workout on Thursday evening, with he league's the two best attacks facing off against each other (568 goals for Paris, 497 for Nantes). The Parisian rear-guard will have to watch out for Spain left-winger Valero Rivera, who has already found the net 94 times and is the second best scorer in the competition. For their part, the Parisians can rely on Mikki. The Danish international has 80 goals to his name, having played six matches fewer than his rivals, but he will need to be clinical against The H's defence, who top the defensive chart (415 goals conceded) thanks to performances such as the one last week in Dunkerque (15-34), when Emil Nielsen made 18 saves (55% success).

To follow the game (kick-off at 20:45)
- Television: beIN SPORTS 1
- Live tweet: our official page

(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)