Reims - Clermont
When: 20:30
Where: France. Ligue 2
Reims
Reims is currently in 9th place on the table with 8 points from the matches played so far. The team shows a relatively stable performance but has only an average goal record of 5:5, which indicates some defensive solidity, but also a rather restrained offensive style. The series of two wins, two draws, and one loss in the last five games shows a mixed form. Particularly noticeable are their defensive weaknesses against fast attacks, as became clear in the match against Pau. Tactically, Reims prefers a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system with a focus on wing attacks, though the final precise pass is often missing. Home games are an advantage but not strong enough to completely compensate for existing defensive problems.
Clermont
Clermont currently holds 6th place with 9 points and shows a slightly better offensive record of 6:5 goals than Reims. They also display a similar form apart from details, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in the last five games. Their playing style is somewhat more offensive and variable, often in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, focusing more on ball possession and wing play, which also leads to more scoring chances. Defensively they have weaknesses, especially in organization against structured attacks, but overall the team shows more creativity compared to Reims. Their percentage of matches where both teams score is higher, indicating a more attractive offensive football.
Injuries
Reims has to do without important defensive pillars: Nicolas Pallois is out with an injury until the end of October, and Joseph Okumu is sidelined long-term with torn knee ligaments. These absences significantly impair the defense and leave large gaps. At Clermont, Maïdine Douane is also missing with a cruciate ligament tear, which restricts creativity in midfield or attack, but there are alternatives on the team that can compensate for this gap.
Head-to-Head Matches
The direct encounters between Reims and Clermont show no clear dominance. While Clermont achieved a clear 4-1 victory in April 2024, Reims managed a distinct 2-0 revenge win in August of the same year. Overall, the results fluctuate greatly, from clear wins to narrow defeats or draws. Notably, Clermont punishes Reims more often when Reims' defense shows weaknesses.
Match Prediction
Bookmakers see Reims as favorites, which is also related to the home advantage. However, the significant defensive injuries at Reims weigh heavily and should not be underestimated. Clermont offers a similarly consistent form, has somewhat better offensive impact, and can benefit from Reims' defensive weaknesses. The risk for Reims is higher, and a clear win is not expected. Therefore, the bet "Win Clermont (+1)" at odds of 1.75 is attractive. Nevertheless, due to the close contests and Reims' home advantage, the recommended straight bet is "Win Reims" with odds of 1.63, as chances for a narrow home win are good and the risk is manageable.
My Tip: Win Reims (1.63)
Tip