Toulouse Vs Strasbourg

Reims will once again search for their first win of 2025 when they host European hopefuls Nice at Stade Auguste-Delaune in a Ligue 1 clash on Saturday. Despite a solid start to the 2024-25 campaign, Reims have struggled in recent weeks, and their form has been in sharp decline as they have yet to secure a victory this year. With five matches without a win and only two goals scored in that stretch, the hosts are looking to turn things around. Sitting in 11th place, Reims have not been able to capitalize on their early-season momentum, which has left them closer to the relegation zone than they would like to be.

Nice, on the other hand, has enjoyed a far more positive run of form this season, with their recent success helping them occupy 6th place in the standings. With aspirations for European competition this season, Nice heads into this fixture with a strong sense of belief. Their 2025 opener saw them claim a crucial 3-2 victory over Rennes, a result that added to their growing confidence. This win extended their unbeaten streak to three matches, and their overall form remains impressive. In fact, they have lost just once in their last 12 Ligue 1 outings, a heavy 4-1 defeat to Lyon at the start of December. Nice's consistency has them on track to challenge for a European spot, and they will aim to continue their pursuit of that goal in this matchup against Reims.

The upcoming match represents an important opportunity for Reims to snap their winless streak and take a significant step toward putting more distance between themselves and the relegation battle. The club's recent form has been disappointing, particularly in their home matches. Out of their eight home fixtures, Reims have managed only two wins, three draws, and three losses, making their Stade Auguste-Delaune record one of the weakest in the league. This has been a key factor in their inability to rise up the table, and with a home fixture on the horizon, Reims will hope that the support of their fans can help reverse their fortunes. However, their record suggests that it won't be easy, and they will need a strong performance if they are to secure the three points and end their current winless streak at home.

For Luka Elsner's men, their hopes of a quick turnaround took a hit in their first match of 2025, where they suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to Saint-Etienne on January 4. The match had started positively for Reims, with Keito Nakamura giving them the lead just before halftime, but they were unable to maintain their advantage in the second half. Augustine Boakye equalized for Saint-Etienne in the 50th minute, and then put them ahead just seven minutes later. Lucas Stassin's 80th-minute goal sealed the win for the hosts, condemning Reims to another defeat. This loss has further compounded the club's frustrations, as they are now without a victory in their last five league matches. Three draws and two losses over that period have left them with little to show for their efforts.

Despite their struggles in recent matches, Reims will take some solace from their Coupe de France performance at the end of 2024, where they triumphed 3-1 over seventh-tier side ASS Still Mutzig. The victory, which secured their passage to the next round of the competition, was a welcome boost, but it has not been enough to propel them to a positive result in Ligue 1. Now, with Nice coming to town, Reims must rediscover their form quickly if they are to avoid slipping further down the standings. Their next opponent is one of the strongest teams in the league at the moment, and the task ahead will be a difficult one.

On the other side of the pitch, Nice is having a strong season under coach Franck Haise, and they are well-positioned to push for European competition again. They have demonstrated attacking prowess, scoring 31 goals so far in Ligue 1, which is the third-best tally in the division. This goal-scoring ability has been key to their success, as they have found the back of the net in each of their last 10 league matches. In six of their last eight games, Nice has scored two or more goals, showcasing their offensive strength and ability to break down opposition defenses. This attacking threat will be a significant factor in their approach to the game against Reims, and they will look to exploit the home side's defensive vulnerabilities.

In addition to their attacking prowess, Nice’s record against Reims in recent years has been outstanding. The Eaglets have been unbeaten in their last 11 encounters with Reims, which includes several dominant performances. This historical dominance adds to the confidence with which they approach the upcoming match. Nice has been able to dictate the tempo in previous fixtures, and they will be hoping to continue that trend in this match. With their attacking force led by the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and others, Nice is poised to make life difficult for Reims at Stade Auguste-Delaune.

Looking ahead to the match, Nice's primary goal will be to extend their unbeaten run and take all three points back to the Allianz Riviera. With 27 points already on the board, a win would see them increase their total to 30, potentially lifting them into third place depending on the results of other matches that weekend. This would put them in an even stronger position to secure a European spot, which is their primary objective for the season. Their impressive form and strong record against Reims give them a significant advantage heading into the fixture, and they will be eager to continue their push for European qualification.

While Nice's focus will be on maintaining their momentum, Reims will be equally determined to end their winless run and improve their standing in the league. A victory for the hosts would not only secure their first win of 2025 but would also be their first over Nice since August 2018. It would mark a vital step in their battle to move away from the relegation zone, with just a five-point cushion above the relegation playoff spot. The match is crucial for both teams, with Reims desperate to reverse their fortunes and Nice looking to continue their impressive climb up the table.

As the teams prepare for their encounter on Saturday, much will be at stake for both clubs. Reims must find a way to get back to winning ways and make the most of their home advantage, while Nice will look to extend their impressive unbeaten run and take another step toward securing European football for the second consecutive season. The clash promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams with very different objectives, and the outcome could have a significant impact on their respective ambitions for the remainder of the season.