Strasbourg vs Stade Reims Prediction: Clash of Aspirations

A football match has many stories: it can be one of dreams turned into nightmares, determination versus cunning, or a vision of ambition matched to a reality of failure. For Strasbourg against Stade Reims in Round 14 of Ligue 1, it promises to be a lot more than a game: something for both teams to make up for misfortunes so far in the season. If Strasbourg is looking for stability after ups and downs of late, Reims would be hoping to cash in on a better position and shed off the bad recent spell. Now let's analyze the tactical and emotional landscapes of this match.

The performance graph of the Ligue 1 table is totally different. The current place is the thirteenth position, and after 13 matches, it earned just three wins out of them. Nowadays, two more losses can be seen in the series, including the one against Brest, turning out to be the 4th loss from among the last five matches. Home ground may play an important role now for Liam Rosenior's men to get back their lost momentum. Under Rosenior, they are adopting a cautious 4-2-3-1 formation. With two defensive midfielders shielding the backline, this entire approach is built up upon limiting opportunities to the opponent. While it has put them together defensively, the true Achilles' heel has been in the attack with which it has not functioned well. The only possible way for Strasbourg to score would be direct, quick transitional play from defense to attack and taking set pieces.

Elsner’s excellent preparation has helped the team to an advanced stage, and now they occupy spot number 9 in the league, four places above the previous season. They, however, lost three out of the last five matches, even losing 2-0 to Lens. Reims are well above the Strasbourg table but know that complacency could turn disastrous against a starving side like Strasbourg. 

Elsner's Reims display a dynamic 4-3-3 approach of playing which tends to emphasize high pressing possession football with mixed results because they fall prey to counterattacks. Against Strasbourg, they would like to appear dominant in the midfield battles and ensure that their backline remains tightly knit.

The history between these teams is quite interesting it is very close. Over the last 17 meetings, Reims hold a slight edge with seven wins over Strasbourg's five, with five ending in draws. Recent meetings between the two sides have been tight affairs, showing the close margins separating each of these teams.

However, they both seem to be having trouble this season. The psychological aspect may be lacking in favor of Strasbourg - it has all happened in front of their own people and with a dire thirst for points. Reims play an attacking 4-3-3 with heavy reliance on control in the middle, while Strasbourg could possibly unsettle them with a double pivot. Both sides have been leaking goals at the back recently. But whichever side makes the fewer defensive errors will likely emerge victorious. For Strasbourg, the approach shall definitely be getting organized and counter-attacking. For Reims, the situation lies in not panicking and taking the chances available.

This match has all the right ingredients for a highly competitive fight. No doubt, home form and determination would slightly tilt the balance for Strasbourg, however, threats such as Reims' attacking prowess were not to be overlooked. I predict a cagey start, opening up in the second half.

• Under 3 Goals @ 2.178 Odds
• Draw FT 3.40 Odds
• Correct Score 1-1 @ 6.50 Odds