Preview: Tremblay - PSG Handball

News

On Sunday afternoon, Paris Saint-Germain Handball set about defending their Coupe de France title in the round of 16, making the short journey to take on neighbours Tremblay.

Survival assured 

Although TFHB only beat the drop in the final rounds of last season, they look set to do a lot better this time around. Currently in seventh, Benjamin Braux's men have already collected 12 points, just two shy of their total for the whole of last season. This fine record is due to a string of good results - indeed, the team from the Paris region have only fallen to 'big' teams, while managing a draw with reigning European champions Montpellier (24-24).

Coupe campaign so far

In mid-December, Tremblay were away to Proligue side Créteil in the Coupe de France's round of 32. Despite struggling and trailing by five at the break (25’: 17-12), Luka Sebetic and his teammates managed to turn it around win in dramatic fashion as Brazilian left-winger Felipe Borges struck on the buzzer (31-32). Meanwhile, Paris travelled to Dijon, where they cruised to a deserved 29-25 win thanks to fine performances from backline trio Kim Ekdahl du Rietz, Nedim Remili and Mikkel Hansen, each of whom struck five times.

Papat still going strong

Every derby between these two sides is special in its own way - especially for two members of Team Yabba, who wore the capital club's Rouge et Bleu for a long time: Samuel Honrubia, who won several titles with our club, scoring 272 goals in three Lidl Starligue seasons and Patrice Annonay, who turned out for the capital club for 11 seasons. Annonay represented Paris in the Prologue, won three national championships, two Coupes de France and even made it to the Velux EHF Champions League's Final4. But at, almost 39 years of age, Papat is still going strong and recently extended his contract for another season.

A look back at the league clash

In November, Les Rouge et Bleu welcomed their neighbours to the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. Vasko Sevaljevic (the club's top scorer with 53 goals) led an excellent Tremblay side form the front, but Raul Gonzalez's men found the resources to make the difference late in the first half. That day also saw Mikki in prolific form, firing 10 from 12, while at the other end of the court, Thierry Omeyer made 12 saves (34%).

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

• Television: not broadcast 

• Live tweet: our official page

(Credits: J. Azouze/PSG)