Paris Saint-Germain will hope to strengthen their hold on the Ligue 1 summit when they face Stade de Reims on Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain return to Ligue 1 action on Saturday night, buoyed by their midweek heroics in the UEFA Champions League. Luis Enrique’s men produced a scintillating comeback to defeat Manchester City 4-2, putting them on the brink of securing a knockout-stage berth. The nine-time Ligue 1 champions are in imperious form, riding a nine-match winning streak across all competitions.
Domestically, PSG appear untouchable, having amassed 46 points from 18 games and maintaining an unbeaten record this season. Their latest league triumph came in a come-from-behind win over Lens, while title challengers Marseille faltered, extending PSG’s lead at the summit to nine points.
Their consistency has been remarkable, losing just twice in Ligue 1 since the start of last season — a record only rivalled by Bayer Leverkusen and Galatasaray in Europe’s top leagues.
However, Stade de Reims has proven to be a tricky opponent for PSG in recent years. Reims have held the Parisians to consecutive draws at the Parc des Princes, showcasing a defensive resilience and tactical discipline rarely seen in other Ligue 1 sides. Should Reims manage a third consecutive unbeaten result in Paris, it would mark a rare feat last achieved against Bordeaux over a decade ago.
Despite this, Reims’s current form leaves much to be desired. Luka Elsner’s men are enduring a seven-match winless run — their longest since 2019. Defensive frailties were glaring in recent defeats to Saint-Etienne and Nice, where they conceded seven goals collectively. Adding to their woes, a disappointing home draw against a struggling Le Havre side highlighted their inability to capitalize on weaker opposition.
Away from home, Reims have lost three of their last five matches, a far cry from the solidity they displayed earlier in the season. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Paris Saint-Germain
Luis Enrique will have been pleased to see Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembele, and Achraf Hakimi return to fitness in time for the midweek Champions League clash. However, to manage their workload and ensure they are in peak condition for Wednesday’s decisive fixture against Stuttgart, the trio may be rested for this weekend’s Ligue 1 game against Reims.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG’s high-profile winter signing, is available for the first time after being ineligible for the Champions League. That said, the Georgian winger missed Napoli’s final few games before his move due to fitness concerns, so Enrique may choose to ease him into the squad gradually.
With no injuries reported in PSG’s senior ranks, Enrique has a fully-fit squad at his disposal, allowing for significant rotation. This could see several key players who featured in the second half of PSG’s comeback win against Manchester City given a well-deserved rest.
In terms of tactics, PSG are likely to line up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation. The full-backs, Nuno Mendes and Lucas Beraldo will be expected to contribute to attacking transitions, while the midfield trio will focus on controlling possession and providing defensive cover. Up front, Goncalo Ramos will lead the line, flanked by Marco Asensio and Lee Kang-in, who will be tasked with providing creativity and width.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Lucas Beraldo, Pacho, Hernandez, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Mayulu, Ruiz; Asensio, Goncalo Ramos, Lee
Stade de Reims
Reims head into this clash against Paris Saint-Germain with several injury concerns, particularly in midfield and attack. Yaya Fofana is unavailable due to an ankle injury, while Amadou Kone remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. These absences weaken Reims’ midfield stability and creativity, presenting a challenge in dealing with PSG’s dominant midfield.
In the attacking department, Mohamed Daramy is still recovering from a knee injury, and Reda Khadra is out for the season after tearing his ACL. These setbacks reduce Reims’s ability to stretch PSG’s defence with pace and skill on the wings. Moreover, their defensive depth has been impacted by Emmanuel Agbadou’s move to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Thibault De Smet’s loan transfer to Paris FC, leaving limited options for head coach Luka Elsner at the back.
Despite these challenges, Reims are expected to stick to a 4-3-3 formation, with a compact midfield trio aiming to disrupt PSG’s rhythm and transition quickly into attack. The backline, anchored by Joseph Okumu and Cedric Kipre, will be under immense pressure to withstand PSG’s firepower. Up front, the attacking trident of Junya Ito, Mamadou Diakhon, and Keito Nakamura will be tasked with creating chances and exploiting any defensive lapses.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Diouf; Buta, Okumu, Kipre, Sangui; Munetsi, Atangana, Teuma; Ito, Diakhon, Nakamura
Key Stats
- Paris Saint-Germain have not won any of their last two Ligue 1 home games against Reims (1-1 in January 2023 and 2-2 in March 2024). They have not gone three consecutive home games without a win against the same opponent since August 2012 (against Bordeaux).
- PSG have lost just two Ligue 1 games since the start of the 2023/24 season (W36 D14). Only Bayer Leverkusen (1) and Galatasaray (2) have lost as few or fewer matches over this period in Europe’s top 10 leagues.
- Reims are winless in their last seven Ligue 1 matches (D4 L3), which is the longest current run in the league. They have not had a longer winless streak since a 12-game drought between April and August 2021.
- PSG have scored in each of their last 25 Ligue 1 games, netting 68 goals during this period. This streak is their second-longest home scoring run in the top flight, trailing only their 35-game streak between January 2013 and December 2014.
- Reims have lost three of their last five Ligue 1 away matches (W1 D1), as many defeats as they suffered in their previous 11 away fixtures (W4 L4).
Player to Watch
Goncalo Ramos
The Portuguese forward, known for his clinical finishing and sharp movement, has been a consistent performer since joining the French giants. Ramos’s ability to exploit defensive gaps and finish with both precision and power makes him a nightmare for defenders.
In PSG’s midweek Champions League triumph against Manchester City, Ramos delivered a commanding performance, scoring a crucial late goal to seal a thrilling 4-2 victory. That strike underlined his knack for delivering in high-pressure moments, a trait that will be key in PSG’s domestic and European campaigns.
Ramos has amassed an impressive goal tally this season, showcasing his ability to adapt to the fast-paced and physical nature of Ligue 1. With creative playmakers like Marco Asensio and Lee Kang-In providing service, Ramos is well-positioned to add to his goal count against a struggling Reims defence.
Against a Reims side that has conceded seven goals in their last three matches, Ramos will look to capitalize on their vulnerabilities, particularly in transition. His sharp instincts and ability to drift between defenders make him a potent threat both inside and outside the penalty box. With PSG’s wingers drawing the defensive line wide, Ramos could find ample space to operate and finish off chances.
Prediction
Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Stade de Reims
Paris Saint-Germain’s form and quality should be too much for a struggling Reims side, especially at the Parc des Princes. While Reims may pose a sporadic threat, PSG’s attacking firepower, led by Goncalo Ramos and their depth in midfield, should see them secure a comfortable victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 win for Luis Enrique and his charges.
