Goal-shy Le Havre host out-of-form Reims in gameweek 23 in Ligue 1, keen to pick up maximum points at Stade Oceane on Saturday.
Both clubs are winless in four and have identical records in their recent five games — one win, two draws and two defeats — heading into this weekend's meeting.
Match preview
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All things considered, Le Havre are enjoying a commendable season back in Ligue 1, with the Normandy outfit five places and seven points clear of 17th and 18th.
While 16th-placed Nantes are only two points behind Le Club Doyen, Luka Elsner's men hope to avoid falling into the relegation playoff position in the coming weeks — a likely outcome if the 12th-placed club do not turn the tide of recent results.
Le Havre have gone four games without winning, securing two draws and as many losses during the run, the latter coming in defeats to Rennes (1-0) and Lille (3-0).
Both losses have been characterised by their inability to score, making it 11 times Le Club Doyen have not hit the back of the net in Ligue 1 — no other club has as many after 22 gameweeks in the division.
Elsner's team cannot rise above 10th in the competition with a victory this weekend, but maximum points prevent the hosts from sliding down the table if results elsewhere go against them.
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The visiting side are going through a rough patch, underscored by their four-game winless streak under Will Still.
Still's team avoided a third defeat in succession when they held Europe-chasing Lens to a 1-1 draw, but four without maximum points puts them on the brink of setting an unwanted record under their young boss.
The Red and Whites have never lost five on the trot since the 31-year-old's appointment in October 2022, and a commendable record against newly-promoted opposition of five wins and two draws in seven bodes well for Reims.
Further strengthening Still's case for an away victory is Reims' 13 wins from 19 in Ligue 1 games against Le Havre, a percentage of 68% that accounts for the home side's highest percentage of losses against a current Ligue 1 side.
Whether the precedent counts for something is anyone's guess, but winning in Normandy gives the away side a chance of making European competition when the season concludes.
Team News
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Oussama Targhalline is the home side's only reported injury, with the midfielder not expected back until March due to a hip issue.
Elsner is expected to line up his side in a 4-3-3 on Sunday.
Reims' Maxime Busi (thigh) and Valentin Atangana Edoa (hamstring) are missing in action until next month.
Still could be tempted to revert to a back four after switching to a three against Lens, but the talented manager should retain the same shape despite Thibault De Smet's return from suspension.
Le Havre possible starting lineup:
Desmas; Sangante, Kinkoue, Lloris, Operi; Nego, Toure, Kechta; Ayew, Bayo, Sabbi
Reims possible starting lineup:
Diouf; Agbadou, Okumu, Abdelhamid; Foket, Richardson, Stambouli, Teuma, Akieme; Ito, Diakite
We say: Le Havre 1-1 Reims
The spoils could be shared between these clubs with identical records heading into Sunday's game.
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