The Stade de Reims is going through a delicate period, marked by offensive difficulties and fragile defence. The team faced the absence of several key players, notably Cédric Kipré, who was suspended following his exclusion from the match against Strasbourg, and Joseph Okumu, who suffered a shoulder injury. These absences significantly impact the central hinge, which had established itself as a defensive pillar in the last four meetings, all competitions combined, and impose on the technical framework the need to find alternative solutions to ensure the back strength.

Conscious of these challenges, coach Samba Diawara explored various options to rebuild his defence, revealing tactical flexibility and a willingness to integrate players capable of adapting to unusual roles. Among the solutions envisaged, Malcolm Jeng is a candidate for the position of central defender. The technician also stressed the possibility of integrating multi-purpose players, already used previously in the axis, although this is not their preferred position, thus demonstrating a desire to optimize the resources available.

Based on these considerations, the likely composition for the next match is drawn with Diouf in the goals, Sekine, Gbane, Jeng and Akieme forming the defensive line, Antagana, Patrick and Koné in the middle of the field, and Ito, Siebatcheu and Nakamura in attack. This configuration, although potential, demonstrates the urgency for the Stade de Reims to find an effective formula to overcome its current difficulties and regain a positive dynamic.