As the Ligue 1 run-in begins to heat up, Reims will continue to try and make a late push to qualify for Europe when they host Montpellier HSC on Sunday.
The visitors, meanwhile, have been trying to pull away from the relegation zone lately and will look to increase that gap this weekend.
Match preview
© Reuters
Reims sits just outside the European qualification spots in eighth place, but with just three points between them and sixth, there is plenty of reason for fans to be hopeful.
One victory could drastically change their current league position, and considering there are only nine points separating them and fourth spot, there is much scope for progression up the table.
However, Reims's recent form is anything but European-worthy, as they have picked up just one victory in their previous six outings.
It has been a worrying run of performances for Will Still's men at the business end of the season, and that is something the young English coach will be attempting to turn around in their final six games.
Reims will need a more robust display than their most recent outing in any case. Strasbourg comfortably beat them 3-1 despite Keito Nakamura giving them the lead in the seventh minute.
© Reuters
The visitors might be lower in the league table, but their recent form is stronger, losing just once in their past six games with three wins in that period.
Montpellier heads into this weekend after three matches without a defeat, with their most recent outing ending in a 1-1 draw against Clermont.
Michel Der Zakarian's men have created a seven-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone, but while that has slightly alleviated the pressure, fans will undoubtedly want to see that distance grow.
To do that, Montpellier must put together a better performance than the last time they faced Reims, as that match resulted in a 3-1 defeat back in August.
However, five of their eight victories this season in Ligue 1 have come in away matches, and the fact that the team is not frightened by playing on the road should lead to them causing problems on Sunday.
Team News
© Reuters
Reims will be without Amadou Kone this weekend due to suspension after he was sent off in the recent defeat against Strasbourg, giving Still something to think about.
The hosts also have many injuries to contend with as Maxime Busi is dealing with a muscle problem, Benjamin Stambouli has a hamstring issue, Teddy Teuma is recovering from a calf injury, and Mohamed Daramy is sidelined due to his knee.
Nakamura will provide a significant goal threat for Reims, while Junya Ito is expected to start on the other side of the pitch and will cause problems with his ability on the ball.
The visitors are also dealing with numerous injuries as Issiaga Sylla, Axel Gueguin, Theo Sainte-Luce and Khalil Fayad are all sidelined.
Montpellier's Akor Adams will be expected to lead the attack; the Nigerian forward will attempt to add to his seven-goal tally for the season so far.
Reims possible starting lineup:
Diouf; Foket, Agbadou, Abdelhamid, Akeime; Richardson, Edoa; Ito, Khadra, Nakamura; Diakite
Montpellier HSC possible starting lineup:
Lecomte; Mbiayi, Omeragic, Sagnan, Davin; Chotard, Ferri; Nordin, Savanier, Al-Taamari; Khazri
We say: Reims 1-1 Montpellier HSC
Reims sit higher in the league table which will make them the favourites on paper, but the recent form of each team would tell a different story.
The visitors have been consistently picking up results lately and that trend could continue this weekend with a draw away from home.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
