Brestvs.Angers

Les Pirates have been in dire form in recent weeks and will be desperate to get back on track this weekend.

Match preview

Eric Roy's Brest recorded some excellent Champions League results early in the season and managed a run of six wins from seven between mid-December and mid-January, but their current seven-match winless streak has put their campaign at risk.

Last time out, Les Pirates were beaten 2-1 away to Lyon in a match that will ultimately be remembered for the actions of Les Gones boss Paulo Fonseca that earned him an unprecedented nine-month ban.

On the pitch, Roy's side disappointingly gave up the early lead that Kenny Lala had given them from the penalty spot, and defeat last Sunday has left the hosts 10th in the French top flight, six points behind OL, who occupy the division's spot for entry into the Conference League qualifiers.

To make matters worse, Brest's home record has been particularly poor, and with four losses and one draw from their five most recent fixtures at Stade Francis-Le Ble, they will not be taking any confidence from playing on their own turf.

Regardless, three points on Sunday could see Les Pirates leapfrog both Lens and Toulouse should results elsewhere prove favourable - leaving them three points behind the European places - though defeat would mean that their opponents would be just three points behind.

Meanwhile, Alexandre Dujeux's Angers have been in mixed form leading up to this weekend's clash, and with three losses, two draws and just one win form their last six Ligue 1 matches, they will see a game against a struggling Brest as a golden opportunity to put points on the board.

Most recently, Le SCO followed up their elimination from the Coupe de France by being on the receiving end of a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Toulouse, a defeat that left Dujeux's men 13th in the table, seven points above Le Havre in the relegation playoff spot.

On Sunday, the visitors will be confident of taking an important three points both due to their opponents' poor form and their own excellent away record that features six wins, one draw and only one loss across all competitions since mid-December.

Should Angers triumph on the road this weekend, they could land themselves 11th by the next matchday, with a win potentially taking them ahead of rivals Auxerre and Rennes and making their status in the division more secure.

Brest Ligue 1 form:

W

L

W

D

D

L

Brest form (all competitions):

L

D

L

D

L

L

Angers Ligue 1 form:

L

D

L

W

D

L

Angers form (all competitions):

W

L

W

D

L

L

Team News

Brest left-back Bradley Locko may make the squad this weekend, but he is unlikely to start as he builds fitness following a long-term injury layoff.

For now, Massadio Haidara should continue on the left side of a defence featuring Julien Le Cardinal, Brendan Chardonnet and Kenny Lala.

As for Angers, they will be missing centre-back Cedric Hountondji, who has not made a matchday squad since January 26.

In his absence, expect Abdoulaye Bamba and Jordan Lefort to line up at the heart of defence, with Carlens Arcus and Florent Hanin at full-back.

Elsewhere, young striker Sidiki Cherif is out with an injury, though Ahmadou Bamba Dieng should be ready to start up top once again.

Brest possible starting lineup:

Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Cardinal, Haidara; Lage, Melou, Magnetti, Sima; Camara; Ajorque

Angers possible starting lineup:

Fofana; Arcus, Bamba, Lefort, Hanin; Aholou, Abdelli; Ferhat, Belkhdim, El Melali; Dieng

We say: Brest 1-2 Angers

Neither side are in the best form at the moment, but considering that Angers have performed well on the road this season, they are likely to put in another strong display this weekend.

Written by

Anthony Nolan

Previews by email