Preview: Ajaccio vs Reims – prediction, team news, line-ups
Sports Mole preview Wednesday’s Ligue 1 clash between Ajaccio and Reims, including predictions, team news and possible line-ups.
Reims make the journey to face Ajaccio at the Estadio François-Coty on Wednesday evening in search of the victory which will strengthen their position in the top half of the Ligue 1 table.
At a time when the visitors are trying to stay in the European hunt, Ajaccio is only two points above the relegation zone.
Match preview
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After losing seven of their first nine Ligue 1 games this season, Ajaccio have been catching up to try and get out of trouble.
However, their early form makes it all the more impressive as they now sit outside the bottom four, helped by seven points recorded in their last four matches.
Although they lost 2-0 to Toulouse in their last league game, Olivier Pantaloni will be more than happy with his side’s current position given what they’ve already faced in the first half of the campaign.
Until recently, Ajaccio had the worst home record in the division, but back-to-back wins have come against Strasbourg and Angers.
The bear also progressed in the Coupe de France this weekend, overcoming a draw at Jura Sud Foot by a score of 2-1.
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Reims had the better campaign by far compared to Ajaccio, and they continued their momentum this weekend by beating Loon-Plage 7-0 in the cup.
Five of those goals came in the last 21 minutes, and William Again would have been delighted to see his team show a ruthless streak without Folarin Balogun appearing in the team.
Returning to league matters, Reims are currently on a nine-game unbeaten streak, registering three wins and six draws.
Four points have been taken from Rennes and Lille since action resumed, but the 10th-placed outfit remain 10 points off the top six.
Reims make the trip to the Estadio Francois-Coty after recording draws in their last five matches in the French top flight.
Form Ajaccio Ligue 1:
Form Reims Ligue 1:
Team News
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After making the decision to make widespread changes for the Coupe de France draw, Pantaloni could return to a similar side that started against Toulouse.
However, Ruan Levin is in the running for a start after scoring two goals against Jura Sud Foot, potentially replacing the veteran Yoann Touzgar in the middle of the attack.
Fernand Mayembo also pushing for a recall in the middle of the defense after being dropped for the loss to Toulouse.
Balogun has missed the last two matches with a hamstring injury and it seems unlikely that the player on loan from Arsenal will return for this game.
Jens Cajust is pushing for a recall to midfield after proving his fitness in the last two games and he is competing with Alexis returns for a place in the starting line-up.
Even though Kaj Sierhuis and Martin Adeline both scored braces in the rout against Loon-Plage, they are unlikely to get the chance to blow the opening whistle.
Possible starting line-up from Ajaccio:
The king; Youssouf, Gonzalez, Diallo, Koné; Nouri, Marchetti, Coutadeur, Belaili; Idrissy, Levine
Possible starting line-up for Reims:
Diouf; Foket, Agbadou, Abdelhamid, Smet; Munetsi, Matusiwa; Ito, Flips, Bergen; Holm
They say: Ajaccio 1-1 Reims
Despite the defeat last time, it cannot be ignored that Ajaccio was on a three-game unbeaten streak. With that in mind, the home side can do enough to earn a share of the spoils against opponents who are proving increasingly difficult to overcome this campaign.
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Trick
Our expert forecasting partners at Sportita.com predict more than 1.5 goals in this game. Click here to find out what else they predict for this game and for more of their proven football tips.More than 1.5: data