Twelve goals in nine games: Reims‘ unbeaten run meets the meanest scoring rate in Ligue 2
Nicolas Usaï called it „la deuxième meilleure défense du championnat“ – the league’s second-best defence – and the numbers back him up. Boulogne have scored six and conceded six in nine Ligue 2 games, and six of those games ended level. Reims are fourth and still unbeaten, but away from home they have played in two 0-0 draws. Both sides have had ten days off since their last game.
Boulogne have not won a home league game since March. Their first league win of the season came at Grenoble ten days ago.
Predicted lineups: Boulogne vs Reims
No injuries or suspensions have been reported for Boulogne, so Fabien Dagneaux is expected to stay with the side that won 2-0 in Grenoble, with Jonas Martin in front of a back three and Abdel Hbouch and Théo Epailly up front. Reims named a squad without Martial Tia, Gbane, Hafiz Umar Ibrahim, Debondt, Sylla and the long-term absentee Okumu. Mohamed Daramy took a knock against Dijon but trained normally and is included.
Boulogne Team News & Preview
The win at Grenoble ended a seven-month wait for a Ligue 2 victory, and it was deserved: Boulogne had 1.55 expected goals to Grenoble’s 0.90 and scored twice in the last 11 minutes through Nolan Binet and Hbouch. Before that came a 1-1 at Sochaux. The pattern is familiar, with few chances at either end and very little separating the teams.
The home record is the issue. Boulogne have drawn three and lost one at the Libération, scoring three goals in four games: 0-0 with Nancy, 1-1 with Red Star and Dijon, and 1-2 against Nantes. La Voix du Nord said the side needs to make the stadium a fortress again. Hbouch is the top scorer with three goals, and goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu has the best FotMob rating in the squad.
What works for or against Boulogne
- Only six goals conceded in nine league games, with four clean sheets.
- Won 2-0 at Grenoble in their last game.
- No home league win since March.
- Failed to score in four of nine league games.
Reims Team News & Preview
Reims are unbeaten after nine games with four wins and five draws, and Yaya Fofana’s six goals have made them one of the most dangerous attacks in the league. Their last match was chaotic: they came from behind to beat Dijon 4-2, but the expected goals were level at 1.74 to 1.78 and Dijon had 64% of the ball. The game before that was a 0-0 in Nantes, where Nantes created 2.40 expected goals to Reims‘ 0.19.
Away from home Reims have been much tighter. They have drawn 0-0 twice, won 4-1 at Red Star and 2-1 at Nancy, and conceded only two goals in four games. Usaï expects the same kind of game tonight and said the aim is „enchaîner des victoires“ („to string wins together“). Tia’s absence takes away one of their three best-rated players.
What works for or against Reims
- Unbeaten in nine league games.
- Yaya Fofana has six goals and the best FotMob rating in the squad.
- They concede 1.67 expected goals per game.
- Martial Tia is among six players missing.
Boulogne vs Reims Odds
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Boulogne vs. Reims Stats Comparison
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Boulogne vs. Reims Form Guide
Boulogne Form, Stats & Data
Boulogne create 1.22 expected goals per game but score only 0.67, which says a lot about their finishing. Their games are low on goals at both ends, and with 45% possession they are comfortable without the ball. The goalkeeper being the best-rated player shows how much of their work is defending.
Reims Form, Stats & Data
Reims score far more than their 1.49 expected goals per game, and most of that comes from Fofana’s finishing. They also allow 1.67 expected goals, more than Boulogne do. Thirteen of the 19 goals came at home, though; away from home they have been a different, much more cautious side.
Boulogne vs Reims: Prediction & Betting Tip
Boulogne games simply do not produce many goals. They have scored and conceded six each in nine matches, drawn six times and failed to score in four. Reims are high-scoring at home but not on the road, where they have two 0-0 draws and have conceded only two goals in four games. I expect a tight, patient game at the Libération.
Reims‘ finishing is the obvious danger. Fofana can turn half-chances into goals, they scored four against Dijon, and their 1.67 expected goals against means Boulogne could get chances of their own. One early goal could open things up. Even so, Boulogne’s record is consistent enough for me to back Under 2.5 Goals at 1.65 with Winz, and a 1-1 draw looks the most likely outcome.