Prediction: PSG vs Reims

Verdict: PSG win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to widen their buffer at the top of the Ligue 1 table, PSG will welcome Reims to the Parc des Princes on Sunday night.

PSG

Starting with the hosts, although PSG might have extended on their Coupe de France adventure earlier in the week thanks to a 7-0 romp against lower-league Pays de Cassel, Christophe Galtier’s men are enduring somewhat of a Ligue 1 wobble. While the reigning champions might still hold a three-point buffer over a high-flying Lens, the Parisians find themselves under some increasing pressure. Last seen putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat away at Rennes, the former Nice boss has seen his superstar squad lose two of their last three top-flight battles. Likewise, opening the New Year with a remarkable 3-1 drumming at the hands of Lens, there is no doubt that PSG will be glad to make a return to home soil here. Last seen at the Parc des Princes picking up a routine 2-0 win against Angers, it should be noted that Sunday’s hosts have not suffered a single top-flight defeat in the French capital since April 2021.

Team News

PSG look set to once again be without the duo of Presnel Kimpembe and Nordi Mukiele on Sunday night. Former Real Madrid superstar Sergio Ramos should partner Marquinhos at the heart of Galtier’s defence.

The attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar will spearhead PSG’s attack this weekend. Marco Verratti should once again keep his spot in midfield.

Reims

As for the visitors, also extending on their own Coupe de France adventure last weekend thanks to a 3-0 victory against lower-league Les Herbiers, Reims are enjoying an extended flurry. While the Reds might have been last seen in top-flight action playing out a 0-0 stalemate against Nice, they are in the midst of a stellar 13-match unbeaten run across all formats. With that run stemming all the way back to September 18th, William Still’s men have continued to gain a string of plaudits from across France. With their sights now firmly set on clinching a top-half finish this season. Sunday’s guests have also gained a reputation for their rugged displays at the back. In fact, Still’s side have recorded a clean sheet in each of their previous four consecutive domestic appearances. Signing off 2022 with a real statement as they clinched a thumping 3-1 victory against Rennes, some in Reims’ camp might be smelling the chance to cause a major upset here.

Team News

Reims will be without the duo of Nathanael Mbuku and Noah Jean Holm when they travel to Paris on Sunday night. Still is also sweating over the fitness of Thibault de Smet this weekend.

However, already racking up 11 strikes across all formats so far this season, Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun will lead Reims’ attack here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on October 8th, PSG and Reims played out a 0-0 stalemate at the Stade Auguste-Delaune.
• However, the defending Ligue 1 champions are unbeaten in each of their last six meetings against Sunday’s guests.
• Reims are unbeaten in each of their last 13 straight domestic matchups across all formats – a run that stems back to September 18th.
• Including opening 2023 with a 3-1 defeat against Lens, PSG have lost two of their previous three Ligue 1 appearances.
• Nevertheless, PSG have not suffered a single Ligue 1 defeat on home soil since April 2021.

Conclusion

With Lens still breathing firmly down their neck, PSG will know that they must find some much-needed stability during the second-half of the campaign. However, while the French giants might have now lost two of their previous three Ligue 1 outings, Sunday’s hosts have only continued on a remarkable flurry in the capital. Not suffering a single top-flight defeat at the Parc des Princes since way back in April 2021, Galtier’s side are rightfully tipped as a runaway pick here. Although Reims might be enjoying a hugely impressive flurry under their new boss, the Reds will know that they face a huge challenge this weekend. While we might not have an abundance of goals on Sunday night, we’re backing a home victory.

Verdict: PSG win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet