LIVE! PSG vs Stade Reims on beIN SPORTS
Paris Saint-Germain aims for another victory in Ligue 1 against Stade de Reims, during a match where they seek to maintain their lead as the absolute leader of the competition.
A big challenge for Luis Enrique's team
The Parisian squad has not won their last two Ligue 1 encounters against their current opponent, after drawing 1-1 and 2-2 in January 2023 and March 2024, respectively. To find a streak of three consecutive games without a win against the same rival, we would have to go back to 2012, when between August 2010 and August 2012, they failed to defeat Bordeaux.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could debut
Paris Saint-Germain's new player, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, has integrated well with the team and is ready to play in Saturday's Ligue 1 match against Reims, as coach Luis Enrique mentioned on Friday.
The Georgian was not part of the squad for the 2-1 win against Lens, which took place a day after the 23-year-old completed his €70 million ($73 million) transfer from Napoli, nor for the 4-2 home victory against Manchester City on Wednesday.
"Physically, he is in excellent shape. We’ve seen that during training. He is adapting well, and I think he is ready," Luis Enrique told reporters.
"When we sign a player, it’s because we believe he can help improve the team. What’s important is that he’s with us and sees what we ask from the team’s players. We’ve analyzed his characteristics, which are compatible with our style of play," he added.
"To score from a distance, we need Kvaratskhelia’s shot, Marco Asensio’s, or Vitinha’s. All of the players’ abilities are welcome. We know him well; we wanted him last season," the coach concluded.
Kvaratskhelia joined Napoli in 2022 and was named Serie A’s best player that season after helping the club win their first Scudetto in 33 years, with 12 goals and 13 assists in 34 matches.
When asked if Kvaratskhelia would compete with 22-year-old Bradley Barcola, who also plays on the left wing and has scored 13 goals and registered five assists for PSG this season, Luis Enrique said the two could play together.
"I can create any combination with the seven attacking players. All combinations are possible, as are their synergies," he added.
PSG remains unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season, maintaining a nine-point lead at the top with 46 points. Reims sits in 13th place with 21 points. PSG drew 1-1 with Reims in the reverse fixture in September.
Luis Enrique’s team, who will travel to Germany for a Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart four days after facing Reims, has a packed schedule, with three matches in eight days.
