<p><strong>Arguably, two of France’s most famous clubs face each other in the opening round of the 2012/2013 Ligue 1 campaign, when nine-time champions of France, Marseille take on two-time European cup finalists, Stade de Reims.</strong></p>
<p>While the whole world was indulged in the onset of Cold War, Stade de Reims were busy writing their own history.</p>
<p>Spearheaded by the likes of Juste Fontaine and Raymond Kopa, Les rouges et blancs picked up six Ligue 1 titles between 1949 and 1962. In addition to that, Reims managed to win two Coupe de France cups and reached the European cup finals couple of times,
where they were beaten by Real Madrid on both occasions.</p>
<p>However, in the early 90’s the club lost its stature in the French football, dropping to the sixth division, and were still playing in the third tier as recently as 2009/2010 season.</p>
<p>Consecutive promotions helped one of France’s most famous club get back in the top flight and it didn’t surprise many when the tickets for Reims’ opening match of season sold out in just 48 hours.</p>
<p>And club coach, Hubert Fournier, has asked the fans to get behind the team as things will be pretty tough this year for the newly-promoted side.</p>
<p>Stade de Reims did not enjoy the best of the pre-seasons with just a single victory in five games.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Olympique de Marseille are coming in the match on the back of a convincing 3-0 win against Turkish side, Eskisehirspor, in the second leg of their Europa league qualifying round.</p>
<p>However, Marseille have troubles of their own. With a new coach at the helm in form of Elie Baup, and several players on the verge of leaving the club, it won’t be wrong to say that L’OM are not in a perfect shape to start the season.</p>
<p>Alou Diarra has left the club for Premier League outfit, West Ham United, but want-away full-back, Cesar Azpilicueta is still with the club and is expected to feature for Elie Baup’s side in their opening game of the season.</p>
<p><strong>History</strong></p>
<p>It was in Ligue 2 when the two sides last met 29 years ago. Stade de Reims won 2-0 against Marseille at home. OM’s last win against Reims was in May 1979, when the Rhone giants registered a 1-0 win against Les rouges et blancs.</p>
<p><strong>Team News</strong></p>
<p><strong>Stade de Reims</strong></p>
<p>Few players took some knocks in the pre-season tour but have recovered in time for the opening game. Hubert Fournier has a completely fit squad at his disposal, providing him with an opportunity to pick up a good starting eleven for the game.</p>
<p><strong>Olympique de Marseille</strong></p>
<p>Les Phoceens, on the other hand, are without several key members. Elie Baup can no longer call upon the services of France international, Alou Diarra, who has left the club.</p>
<p>Souleymane Diawara is out injured because of a knee injury (sustained last season) and fellow central defender, Leyti N'Diaye is sidelined for a month, after undergoing a surgery this week.</p>
<p><strong>Predictions</strong></p>
<p>Stade de Reims have returned to the Ligue 1 after so many years and the pressure will be immense on the players. Most players will be playing in the top division for the first time and expecting too much from them in the opening game would be unfair.</p>
<p>Marseille have troubles of their own but are still in a good shape to get something out of their opening game of the 2012/2013 Ligue campaign.</p>
<p>Predicted final score: Reims 1-2 Marseille</p>
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