Lineups, issues, history of confrontations, discover the essential information you need to know a few hours before the match Reims – RC Lens on behalf of the 13th day of Ligue 1.
A mandatory rebound
After showing resilience at the start of the season to remain undefeated, RC Lens has been going through a more difficult time for a month. Result of the races, three defeats in the last four matches and a success snatched away against Nantes. The fault is a glaring lack of offensive efficiency, which weighs down Will Still's players. Incapable of converting in its strong moments, the Artesian team is also becoming more and more reliable in its weak moments (8 goals conceded in the last 4 matches, Editor's note). Race results, a gentle but concrete fall in the ranking (9th) which it is necessary to stop against Reims (8th) to maintain European qualification ambitions.
Sotoca and Gradit on the bench?
Will Still could well be tempted to bring new blood to his starting lineup, even if it means sacrificing certain (old) executives. Defensively, Abdukodir Khusanov is thus favorite to accompany Kevin Danso and Facundo Medina, thus leaving Jonathan Gradet on the bench. Offensively, Florian Sotoca could pay the price for his team's difficulties. In such a scenario, Rémy Labeau-Lascary could benefit from it. In the heart of the game, Angelo Fulgini is in balance with Anas Zaroury to create binder.
Kevin Danso recognizes the urgency of the situation
“Over time, we could obviously lose confidence. Especially with these last two matches where we conceded five goals. But like I said, we have to stay clear-headed and work on it every day to be better. This is the only solution: to be concentrated in training and to find our efficiency. When we do, I think we will be very good. In Reims, it will be a difficult match, like all away matches. It will be up to us to play well and be focused to try to win this match. Like every week, we will have to be efficient on both surfaces. »
The history: a Lensoise dynamic
Reims has not beaten Lens in Ligue 1 since March 23, 1977 (2-0 at home) and remains in 12 matches without success against RCL in the competition (6 draws, 6 defeats), its longest current series against the same opponent in the elite. Neverthelessthe overall history between the two teams remains in favor of Stade de Reimsvictorious on 29 occasions for 17 draws and 21 defeats.
The last defeat of the Lensois against the Champenois dates back to January 6, 2019, during a 32nd final of the Coupe de France played at the Stade Auguste Delaune (2-0). For two years, RC Lens has made a habit of winning at home and bringing Reims to a draw, like last February with a goal of Wesley Said.
The last five confrontations
L1 – 02/18/24: Reims – Lens: 1-1 (Saïd)
L1 – 16/12/23 : Lens – Reims: 2-0 (Saïd, Cortes)
L1 – 12/05/23 : Lens – Reims: 2-1 (Frankowski, Fofana)
L1 – 04/09/22 : Reims – Lens : 1-1 (Openda)
L1 – 08/05/22 : Reims – Lens : 1-2 (Sotoca, Fofana)
REIMS – RC LENS
13th day of Ligue 1
Friday November 29, 8:45 p.m.
Stade Auguste Delaune, Reims
Photo credits: Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport
