Stade Reims vs Evian Thonon Gaillard preview - Fournier not taking Evian lightly

Reims coach Hubert Fournier is expecting Evian to be at their very best when the sides meet on Sunday.

While Reims are comfortable in mid-table, Evian are fighting for their Ligue 1 lives and have an in-form Sochaux breathing down their necks.

Evian are four points clear of them in the last spot above the drop zone with three games to go, but still have to play Sochaux before the end of the season.

They also have a shocking away record, with just two road-trip wins to their name.

Fournier is expect them to pose a stiff test at the Stade Auguste Delaune, though.

"There are matches against opponents who are fighting to survive," he said.

"We know this from our own experiences last season. We know how these teams can play so we need to make sure we are doing better than we have been."

How they have been doing is failing to win for eight matches.

"We have to look at ther balance this season. We had some goals which we have met but we also know we have had a lack of success with some others," Fournier added on his club's official website.

"We have been unfortunate a little because our resources have been stretched and we were maybe not ready for some of our challenges."

For his part, Evian coach Pascal Dupraz knows what is needed to keep his side in the league.

"Our goal has been the same; stay in Ligue 1," he said on his club's official website.

"But we have to earn it. We have to play and score. Our role is that we are near the bottom, but we have to fight it."