Preview: PSG Handball - Dunkerque

News

After a two-month absence, Paris Saint-Germain Handball return to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin on Wednesday night, taking on Dunkerque in Lidl Starligue Round 14 action.

Immovable object/irresistible force

Since the beginning of the season, Dunkerque have proven extremely solid in defence, racking up the division's stingiest record of just 319 goals conceded in 13 matches. Goalkeeping duo Samir Bellahcene (67 saves) Russian Oleg Grams (85) have played a huge part in this impressive stat. However, Les Rouge et Bleu are just behind them only 326 goals conceded - while also boasting the competition's most dangerous attack thanks to their 408 goals scored.

Mid-table

Despite their impressive solidity, USDK have struggled to stay in the top half of the table. Currently ninth, with ten points, they trail seventh-placed Tremblay by two points. This mid-season account is not far off where they were in 2017-18, as season Patrick Cazal's men ended up finishing in sixth, with 26 points. This ranking was largely due to a chronic inconsistency that saw them drop points against promoted sides (23-23 against Istres, a 28-27 away to Pontault-Combault). Dunkerque are currently winless in five matches, a run that began on 17 November, against Paris.

Look back at the first match

That day, the capital took complete control of the Round 9 match at the Stades des Flandres. Henrik Toft Hansen shone particularly brightly, shooting 6 from 6, and Paris had already made the break by the time the half-time buzzer sounded. The trend continued in the second term and Paris ran out 27-23 winners in the North - despite seven goals from Dunkerque's top scorer Florian Billant (57 Lidl Starligue goals this season).

Our key stats

Victorious in Nantes (29-30) thanks to a strike on the final buzzer just before Christmas, les Rouge et Bleu are the only Lidl Starligue side still to taste defeat in the competition this season (12 wins and a draw). Moreover, they have a three-point lead over nearest rivals Nantes ahead of their clash at Coubertin in March. Things are looking very good for Raul Gonzalez's side, who have racked up some stunning stats (see above). In terms of individual statistics, we have Mikkel Hansen (74 goals) and Nedim Remili (66) among the league's Top 10 scorers, in sixth and eight places respectively. Meanwhile Titi is eighth on the saves chart with 95 to his name for the current campaign.

To follow the match (Throw-off at 20:45)

• Television: beIN SPORTS 1

• At the Stade Pierre de Coubertin: get your tickets on our official site 

• Live tweet: our official page

(Credits: TeamPics/PSG)