Reims take aim at unbeaten PSG
Reuters - Thursday 18 October 2012, 02:59
Stade Reims become the latest side to try and end Paris Saint-Germain's unbeaten start in Ligue 1 on Saturday and will not lack belief or confidence in the capital having settled in nicely after promotion.
"We're not going there to take pictures of the Parc des Princes," coach Hubert Fournier told reporters.
"Do we have nothing to lose in Paris? Well, we actually do. Did the League say no points were awarded in this game?"
PSG are second on 16 points, three points behind arch rivals Olympique Marseille, after eight matches. Reims are fifth, just two points behind big-spending PSG.
"We've already quite a few points in our bag, it's like a safety net," said Reims defender Anthony Weber.
"So we'll just go out there to have some fun and try to cause an upset."
PSG have won four of their last five Ligue 1 games with Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic netting two spectacular goals in the 2-2 draw at Marseille in their last match.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will have to make do with the absence of Italian holding midfielder Marco Verratti, who is suspended.
Marseille also take on another promoted side as they travel to Troyes on Sunday.
Unlike Reims, Troyes have found life difficult back in the top flight and are bottom on two points.
Marseille defender Rod Fanni said the leaders needed to be cautious.
"They may feel they have nothing to lose," the French international warned on his club's website (www.om.net).
"This game could be a trap."
Coach Elie Baup is determined to keep his side grounded.
"We played eight games. There are 30 left," he said.
"Let's stay united and we'll get results."
On Friday, sixth-placed Girondins Bordeaux look to extend their unbeaten start when they host Lille, who have won only one of their last five games in all competitions.
Third-placed Olympique Lyon host Stade Brest on Sunday while Corsica gears up for a heated derby between AC Ajaccio and promoted Bastia.