Clermont Foot 63 vs Reims Prediction: In a tight game, expect BTTS

When Reims travels to Clermont on Sunday 30th April, there is a lot on the line because they are currently only separated by one point in the Ligue 1 standings. Both teams have the opportunity to keep applying pressure to those in higher European rankings, which motivates them, even more, to perform well.

Considering the record of both teams, the home side is the slight favorite. Clermont Foot 63 has won their past four Ligue 1 games, while Reims hasn't won since April 2 and suffered a dismal loss at home to Strasbourg last weekend. However, Clermont Foot 63 concedes more goals than scores, unlike Reims. 

This may be a match of which of the team can outscore the opponent and may tip the game in favour of Reims. 

Clermont has been in excellent form lately, coming into this weekend off of four straight victories that helped them move up the standings. Due to their recent success, the home side is currently only one point behind Reims. If they win, they might pass their rivals and move up to eighth place.

If Clermont wants to continue competing for a spot in European football next season, they will need to maintain their capacity to battle to the bitter end as the season draws to a close.

However, Gastien's team will need to play better offensively because only one other team in the division has scored fewer goals at home this year. Also, Clermont will need to reduce the may goals they concede to have a chance to win the game.

Due to a groin issue, Komnen Andric has been sidelined recently for the hosts; after missing four straight games, he is not anticipated to play this time. Suspensions to Borges and Alidu Seidu last weekend caused Clermont to switch to a back five, and the hosts may decide to do the same thing this week.

Clermont Foot 63 possible starting lineup:

Goalkeepers: Diaw; 

Defenders: Wieteska, Caufriez, Ogier, Zeffane, Allevinah; 

Midfielders: Gonalons, Gastien, Cham, Rashani; 

Striker: Kyei

Reims has only scored 16 goals in away games so far, which may give Clermont some encouragement. Reims has a history of struggling to score goals away from home. With just one goal in the previous three games, Reims has recently struggled with scoring consistently.

Last time out, Reims lost to Strasbourg which was a surprising outcome given that their opponents were fighting for their playoff lives. The outcome increased their streak of games without a victory to three. Reims will be keen to address this before his team's situation gets out of control.

Everyone concerned will want to return to winning ways as soon as possible to ensure European football is a possibility.

Dion Lopy's recent comeback has also helped Reims, although he is still not fully fit as he hasn't played the full 90 minutes in either of his games since returning from injury.

Reims possible starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Diouf; 

Defenders: Foket, Agbadou, Abdelhamid, De Smet; 

Midfielders: Cajuste, Matusiwa, Zeneli; 

Strikers: Ito, Balogun, Flips

Given the caliber of Reims' team and Clermont's stellar recent performance, this should be a fun match. Both sides are safe from relegation and this game will be played with pride on the line. 

Reims appear to be the superior team on paper, but they have recently come across as rather susceptible, thus a high-scoring tie appears to be the most likely outcome. Clermont is also on four games winning streak which will boost the team morale but it is important to remember that three of the four wins came against teams in the lower half of the league table. 

BTTS or over 2.5 goals is very likely.