Reims eye three away wins for the first time since October 1962.
Auxerre vs
Reims
In a clash of contrasting fortunes, struggling Auxerre seek redemption against an unbeaten Reims, who aim for a top-three spot with a victory on Sunday.
Auxerre
Newly promoted Auxerre announced their return to the top flight with an opening-day win over Nice but then went on a four-match losing streak, which was only halted with a win over Brest. The Burgundy-based club hoped to build on the win; however, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Saint-Étienne just before the international break.
Christophe Pélissier's side has six points [2W, 0D, 5L], currently sitting in 14th place and just two points above the relegation zone. Auxerre [LLLWL], who have just one win in their last five matches, will be eager to return to winning ways when they host Reims on Sunday.
However, AJA are winless in their six league games against the visitors [0W, 1D, 5L], making Reims the opponent they have faced most often in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 without winning. Additionally, Auxerre have lost five of their last six games in L1 and L2 [1W, 0D, 5L].
A 3—4—2—1 formation with Lassine Sinayoko leading the attack is expected against Reims. Meanwhile, midfielder Elisha Owusu will be absent due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards. Lasso Coulibaly is sidelined until next year with an ACL injury.
Reims
Reims began the season with a home defeat against Lille. However, the Red and Whites quickly rebounded, achieving four wins and two draws to maintain a six-match unbeaten streak.
Just before the international break, Reims secured a 4-2 victory over Montpellier, marking their fourth win in five games. Luka Elsner's side currently sits in 4th place with 14 points, equal to third-place Marseille, who lead due to goal difference.
The Red and Whites are set to visit Auxerre and are keen to clinch a victory that could propel them into the top three, should other results be favorable. They've won their last two away games in Ligue 1 and could make it three consecutive wins for the first time since October 1962.
Moreover, Reims have managed to score in every away league game for the past nine matches, the longest such streak since a ten-game run from December 1961 to April 1962. The team is expected to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mohamed Daramy stepping in for the suspended Oumar Diakité.
Both Diakité and Yaya Fofana will be absent from this clash due to suspensions from accumulated yellow cards.
