Brest vs Lille Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Stade Brest have been the overachievers in Ligue 1 in recent seasons as they begin their new campaign with a clash against a strong Lille side that play good football this week.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – Ligue 1 pass / US – beIN Sports Connect
Brest preview: The overachievers
Stade Brest, with former Sunderland midfielder Eric Roy at the helm, qualified for the UEFA Champions League with one of the smallest budgets in France in the 2023/24 campaign, before regressing a bit but still punching above their weight last season.
Their mid-table finish in Ligue 1 was still something of an overachievement, and Brest will once again be expected to push for a top-half finish this season. They have had a quiet summer transfer window, though, only Junior Diaz has signed from Troyes on loan.
Lille preview: Steady again
Lille have been one of the more entertaining teams to watch in European football in recent seasons, with Paulo Fonseca beginning that rebuild and that has been continued by Bruno Genesio, who remains in place after a decent finish to last season.
Lille have brought in some intriguing additions over the summer, too, none more so than French football legend Olivier Giroud from Los Angeles FC, but the northerners have had to deal with the departure of Angel Gomes and possible sale of Edon Zhegrova.
Brest team news: Nothing major
Stade Brest have no fresh or major injury concerns or suspension issues. However, defender Justin Bourgault is a doubt as he has a minor foot injury concern.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Majecki; Lala, Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, Locko; Magnetti, Lees-Melou; Del Castillo, Doumbia, Balde; Ajorque
Unavailable:
Questionable: Bourgault (Injured)
Lille team news: A few issues
Lille have a few issues to deal with ahead of the trip to Brest this weekend, with Belgium international Thomas Meunier sidelined, whilst Aissa Mandi and Tiago Santos doubtful.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ozer; Alexsandro, Toure, Ngoy, Perraud; Gomes, Bentaleb; Zhegrova, Andre, Haraldsson; Giroud
Unavailable: Meunier (Injured), Mbappe (Injured)
Questionable: Mandi (Injured), Santos (Injured)
Brest vs Lille prediction
Eric Roy’s side, when at its best, are difficult to beat, but when at their most fun, they can often lose their shape and become chaotic, which can be extremely entertaining to watch from a neutral’s perspective. They now face a Lille side that will want to dominate the ball and, albeit rarely, when knocked out of their passing stride, can resort to a bit of chaos of their own. A high-scoring clash would therefore seem likely.
Brest vs Lille tip: Over 2.5 goals
