Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
On Saturday, May 24, the stage is set for the grand finale of the French Cup as PSG take on Reims. Kick-off is at 21:00 Central European Time. Here’s our in-depth preview and prediction for this much-anticipated clash.
PSG vs Reims: Key stats and head-to-head record
- PSG are on a three-game winning streak, scoring at least two goals in each match.
- Reims are winless in their last five outings: two draws and three defeats.
- PSG have found the back of the net in each of their last 16 games.
- Reims have failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous four matches.
- PSG have scored more than 1.5 goals in 84% of their matches this season, while Reims have managed this in just 13%.
- Reims have won without conceding in only 8% of their games; PSG have done so in 25%.
- PSG have lost and failed to score in just 5% of their fixtures.
- This season, PSG and Reims have drawn both their meetings. Out of the last five head-to-head clashes, four ended in draws and PSG claimed victory once.
PSG vs Reims: Match preview
PSG’s journey to the final has been relatively straightforward. They edged past Lens 2-1 in the opening round, then dispatched Espaly 4-2, Le Mans 2-0, crushed Stade Briochin 7-0 in the quarterfinals, and overcame Dunkerque 4-2 in the semis. The Parisian giants now have the chance to lift the French Cup for the second consecutive year—they claimed the trophy last season—and add yet another piece of silverware to their collection, having already secured their fourth Ligue 1 title this campaign.
Reims have been the true Cinderella story of this year's French Cup, now standing on the brink of a historic achievement. Their road to the final saw them defeat Mutzig 3-1, Monaco 2-1, Bourgoin-Jallieu, edge past Angers 2-1 in the quarterfinals, and once again beat Cannes by the same score in the semis. However, things have been far less rosy in the league: Reims have slipped to 16th in the table and now face a battle for Ligue 1 survival via the relegation playoffs. The first leg against Metz ended in a 1-1 draw, with the decisive return leg scheduled for May 29.
Probable line-ups
- PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
- Reims: Diouf; Sekine, Okumu, Kipe, Akime; Patrick, Gbane, Atangana; Ito, Sibatcheu, Nakamura.
Prediction
It looks like the final may not be the most nerve-wracking affair—PSG are expected to claim another trophy this season without much trouble. For Reims, the focus is firmly on their crucial relegation playoff, as their head coach has emphasized. So, the smart bet is on PSG's individual total over 2.5 goals, offered at odds of 1.66.
