French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will be aiming to secure their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions as they face Brest at the Stade Francis-Le Ble on Sunday.
Despite being considered underdogs, Brest currently sits in fifth position, just three points behind third-placed PSG.
Match Preview
Brest has exceeded expectations this season by securing a European place with 15 points from nine matches.
However, their momentum has slowed down recently, with only two points earned from their last three games.
They played out a goalless draw with Nice, followed by a 1-1 draw against Toulouse, and suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Lille.
Brest’s five-game unbeaten run came to an end, and they failed to find the net in three of their last four away league matches.
On the other hand, PSG, led by manager Luis Enrique, had a slow start to their season, with less than half of their opening nine competitive matches resulting in victories (W4, D3, L2).
Questions were raised after a goalless draw against Clermont and a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the Champions League.
However, recent performances indicate that Enrique is finally getting his message across to the players.
PSG has embarked on a three-game winning streak, scoring three goals in each of those victories.
They secured comfortable wins over Rennes and Strasbourg in the league and produced a dominant display in a 3-0 Champions League home match against AC Milan.
Brest’s Ligue 1 form:
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Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 form:
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Paris Saint-Germain’s form in all competitions:
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Team News:
Brest midfielder Mehdi Camara is set to return to the starting XI after serving a suspension. Lillian Brassier, back from suspension, is expected to replace Achraf Dari in central defense.
Martin Satriano, who has scored one goal in nine league appearances, is likely to lead the line for Brest.
PSG will be without defender Nuno Mendes and attacker Marco Asensio due to injuries.
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is also unlikely to feature. Lee Kang-in, who came off the bench to score in the midweek Champions League clash, could return to the starting lineup.
Randal Kolo Muani, following his first Champions League goal, is expected to retain his place in the side.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Brest:
Bizot;
Lala, Chardonnet, Brassier, Locko;
Magnetti, Lees-Melou;
Del Castillo, Camara, Le Douaron;
Satriano
Paris Saint-Germain:
Donnarumma;
Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez;
Zaire-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha;
Lee, Mbappe, Kolo Muani
Prediction:
Brest has been strong at home this season, but PSG’s dominance in their previous 13 competitive meetings suggests they will continue their winning streak against Brest and claim maximum points once again.
- Our Prediction: Brest 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain
