Reims vs Clermont Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
When is Reims vs Clermont on and what time does it start? Reims vs Clermont will take place on Saturday 19th August, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Reims vs Clermont? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Reims vs Clermont on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Reims vs Clermont
Where can I stream Reims vs Clermont in the UK? If Reims vs Clermont is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
REIMS
Stade Reims became quite ‘famous’, at least on the internet and social media, with their manager Will Still implementing some innovative methods but mainly overseeing a long unbeaten run having been an experienced player of Football Manager. The novelty of Still may have worn off towards the end of the season as they finished badly and they have of course lost key striker Folarin Balogun, who was only on loan from Arsenal.
The hosts began this season with a 2-1 defeat away to what should be a strong Olympique de Marseille side, at least on paper. They took an early lead via Junya Ito but Azzedine Ounahi equalised mid-way through the first-half before Vitinha scored a second-half winner. Reims will think they were unfortunate, though, and slightly the better side.
CLERMONT
Following their promotion back to the top-flight in 2021, Pascal Gastien has overseen a couple of extremely surprising seasons in which they have avoided relegation and then built upon it. After taking over in 2017, Gastien has guided them into Ligue 1 and they avoided relegation in 2022 before managing to finish eighth in 2023.
The visitors began this season, another season in which they will be tipped up to struggle down towards the bottom end of the table, especially with the teams in Ligue 1 being reduced from 20 to 18, with a 4-2 loss at home to Monaco. They did take an early lead but fell 2-1 down before half-time, got back level early in the second-half before fading towards the end of the game against strong opposition.
THE TEAM NEWS
REIMS
Will Still’s reputation has come about with some innovative and expressive tactics and, despite some interesting additions to the squad this window and a loss on the opening day, they are still expected to remain unchanged for his one, using a 4-2-3-1 system.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Diouf; Foket, Okumu, Abdelhamid, Wilson-Esbrand; Richardson, Matusiwa; Ito, Munetsi, Khadra; Diakite
UNAVAILABLE: De Smet (Injured), Keita (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
CLERMONT
Pascal Gastien is flexible with his tactical ideas but he is currently preferring a three at the back system at the moment and that is expected to remain the case, especially as they travel away from home. They remain without new signing Maximiliano Caufriez, due to injury.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Diaw; Seidu, Wieteska, Pelmard; Zeffane, Gonalons, Gastien, Neto Borges; Cham, Allevinah; Kyei
UNAVAILABLE: Caufriez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Will Still is not under pressure at Stade Reims boss but there will, after a summer of fairly heavy spending and no real money brought in as of yet, be expected to build on last season’s mid-table finish and push his historic and storied club towards a return to European football. Clermont, as ever, are one of the favourites for relegation but they have shown and will continue to show a fight that is beyond most sides. Despite that, though, Reims should get off the mark with a win in this one, especially at home.
TIP: REIMS TO WIN
