Reims predicted XI v Lens: Samba Diawara’s side depleted in defence | OneFootball

Stade de Reims, mired in a battle for survival in Ligue 1, face a difficult task as they pay a visit for European challengers RC Lens at the Bollaert on Friday night. A lack of options in defence only makes that task more difficult.

Following his red card last week, Cédric Kipré is suspended for this encounter, whilst Joseph Okumu is out with an injury. Samba Diawara will therefore have to cobble together a make-shift defence for Reims. Mory Gbane and Malcolm Jeng are expected to start for Les Stadistes.

Club captain Teddy Teuma, whose attitude has been criticised and who is likely to leave Les Stadistes in the summer, is expected to once again miss out on a spodt in the starting line-up. Paris Saint-Germain loanee Gabriel Moscardo will likely begin from the bench.

Reims likely line-up v Lens

Yehvann Diouf; Sergio Akieme, Malcolm Jeng, Mory Gbane, Hiroki Sekine; Amadou Koné, John Patrick, Valentin Atangana; Keito Nakamura, Jordan Pefok, Junya Ito. (L’Éq)

GFFN | Luke Entwistle