Strasbourg have not started the season well in France. Racing have recorded just one point from six possible and go into Sunday’s game with Reims desperately needing a win.
Reims have also started the season poorly. The Red and White have lost both of their matches in Ligue 1 thus far. If things don’t improve quickly at Reims, they will fight relegation this season.
🔛 #RCSASDR I Quelques actions de la séance du jour 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/rvcsTOYqdP— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace (@RCSA) August 17, 2022
🔛 #RCSASDR I Quelques actions de la séance du jour 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/rvcsTOYqdP
The season started with a 4-1 away loss to Marseille for Reims. Matchday No. 2 ended in a 4-2 loss in a six-point match versus Clermont Foot.
Strasbourg began the campaign with a 2-1 loss to Monaco. A week later, Racing drew 1-1 with Nice. Manager Julien Stephan is in dire need of turning things around before they get worse for Strasbourg.
The latest reports indicate that Strasbourg striker Ludovic Ajorque could be sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ajorque is an ideal target man for Strasbourg and if he doesn’t play this weekend due to an impending move, it will take away a goal threat.
Racing do not have a strong record against Reims. In the last six meetings between these teams, Strasbourg won just one time. Reims posted a record of 3W-2D-1L versus Strasbourg in the last six games, and this weekend, they will aim for another win.
Last season, these sides drew both matches in Ligue 1. The games had identical scores of 1-1. Strasbourg may not be in form, but they do possess a far stronger squad this season than Reims.
Home teams have won 32% of matches in Ligue 1 this campaign as opposed to 26% of games ending as away victories.
Reims coach Oscar Garcia has several players on the injured and absent list heading into matchday No. 3. Emmanuel Agbadou is suspended for the game after receiving a red card against Clermont Foot.
Midfielder Rafuk Guitane is a doubt with a muscle injury. Forward Nathanael Mbuku is ruled out of the fixture, while Thomas Foket and Anastasios Donis are both in line to return from their respective injuries.
Stephan has a number of injuries to contend with at Strasbourg. Defenders Gerzino Nyamsi, Pierre-Gabriel, Karol Fila, and Ibrahima Sissoko are all doubts to make the squad. Forward Lebo Mothiba is also a doubt to make the team for Stephan.
Strasbourg are not in form but neither are Reims. Even though Reims have a strong head-to-head record against Strasbourg, the home side should prevail in a low scoring game with a correct score of 2-0.