Montpellier vs Reims preview - Reims boss praises Montpellier

Reims manager Jean-Luc Vasseur has hailed Montpellier as "one of the revelations of the season" ahead of the teams' Ligue 1 meeting at Stade de la Mosson on Saturday.

Montpellier are currently seventh in the table and still in contention for the European spots despite a 5-1 defeat at home to league leaders Lyon last weekend.

Bouncing back against lowly Reims is far from a foregone conclusion, however, given Vasseur's side are unbeaten in four matches, including away draws against high-flying Marseille and Bordeaux.

"Montpellier are one of the revelations of this season," Vasseur told Reims' official club website.

"They have continued to offer what they have done in previous seasons - it is a team of real quality with talented players.

"We go to Montpellier in the same spirit as we did in Marseille and Bordeaux, we go there to secure at least one point.

"We need points, our future is still uncertain and there are still questions to answer.

"What is certain is that we want to build on the victory we achieved against Nantes."

Saturday's 3-1 win at home to Nantes puts Reims 12th in the table and extended their cushion above the relegation zone to six points.

"We have to maintain our form and prove that it has not flattered us because we need to take points to stay up," Vasseur continued.

"This team is much better than what it has shown and we need to make sure that is reflected in the table.

"The most difficult thing is to stay on track - it's a question of balance because a grain of sand can derail a machine.

"We are on a good run and we must keep going and be consistent."