Preview: Clermont vs. Reims - prediction, team news, lineups

Both teams have the chance to continue putting pressure on those above in European positions which gives them further incentive to perform.

Match preview

Clermont have been in impressive form as of late, heading into this weekend following four consecutive victories which have led to them climbing the table.

The strong run has led to the Lancers sitting just a single point behind Reims, with a potential victory allowing them to leapfrog their opponents into eighth if they are able to secure it.

They left things late during their previous match against Nice despite the fact they took the lead as Saîf-Eddine Khaoui scored the winner in the 83rd minute.

However, Clermont's ability to fight right until the end is something that will serve them well towards the end of the season if they want to keep pushing toward the European places in the division.

Pascal Gastien's men will need to put in an improved performance offensively though as only one team in the entire division has scored fewer goals at home this season.

Clermont might take some confidence from the fact that Reims have typically struggled to find the back of the net on the road though, scoring just 16 times in away games so far.

A lack of goals has been a general problem for the visitors lately though, having scored just a single goal in their previous three matches.

It was an issue last time out as they were defeated 2-0 by Strasbourg, which was a surprise result considering the fact their opponents are involved in the relegation battle.

The result stretched their run of games without a win to three, and that is something that Will Still will be eager to fix before things run away from his team.

Three points on Sunday would give them the potential of climbing into seventh place depending on Lyon's result, and with the possibility of securing European football not being out of the question, everyone involved will be wanting to get straight back to winning ways.

Clermont Ligue 1 form:

L

L

W

W

W

W

Reims Ligue 1 form:

W

L

W

D

L

L

Team News

Komnen Andric has been out of action as of late for the hosts due to a groin problem, and after missing four games in a row he is someone that is not expected to feature this time around.

Clermont transitioned into a back five last weekend due to suspensions that Neto Borges and Alidu Seidu picked up and that is something that the hosts may choose to use again.

Azor Matusiwa was brought straight back into the first XI last time out following his suspension, and he should retain his role in the engine room of the team.

Reims have also been boosted by the return of Dion Lopy as of late, but he is still not at full fitness quite yet as he has been unable to complete 90 minutes in either of his games post-injury.

Clermont possible starting lineup:

Diaw; Wieteska, Caufriez, Ogier, Zeffane, Allevinah; Gonalons, Gastien, Cham, Rashani; Kyei

Reims possible starting lineup:

Diouf; Foket, Agbadou, Abdelhamid, De Smet; Cajuste, Matusiwa, Zeneli; Ito, Balogun, Flips

We say: Clermont 2-1 Reims

This is sure to be a closely fought game due to how tight the gap is between them in the league table, and that is likely to be reflected in the scoreline.

However, with the home advantage and the fact that they are enjoying a strong run of form right now Clermont should just be able to edge out this one.

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