Lensvs.Brest

Les Sang et Or secured a narrow success on the opening weekend of the campaign, whereas Les Pirates were one of the heaviest losers last time out in the French top flight.

Match preview

After collecting 51 points from 34 Ligue 1 matches during the 2023-24 term, Lens ended up finishing in seventh position, meaning that they qualified for the playoff round of this season's Conference League, where a place in the revamped League Phase is up for grabs this month.

Les Sang et Or commenced their continental adventures on Thursday night at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, where Greek giants Panathinaikos visited and returned home with their tails between their legs, with goals from Przemyslaw Frankowski and Wesley Said securing a second-leg advantage for the French side.

Looking to compete in the upper echelons of Ligue 1 this season and potentially for a Champions League spot, Lens kick-started their domestic schedule last weekend, when a first-half strike from 29-year-old Said was the only decisive moment in a meeting with relegation-threatened Angers.

After a success-laden two-year stint at Reims in Ligue 1 and plenty of interest from the English Championship, Will Still crossed French battlelines this summer to manage Les Sang et Or, who will face the 31-year-old's old employers at the start of the festive schedule on December 1.

Placing third behind Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and second-placed Monaco during 2023-24, Brest are waiting to find out their Champions League opponents at a glamorous draw next week, although their opening competitive fixture of the term was anything but last time out.

Tipped to challenge Les Pirates at the head of the French top flight this campaign, Marseille ran away with the contest at Stade Francis-Le Ble on August 17, when braces from former Manchester United youngster Mason Greenwood and Luis Henrique propelled the visitors to a 5-1 victory.

Having lost by a four-goal margin during the opening round of Ligue 1 fixtures, Brest currently occupy bottom spot in the top-flight standings, although it is highly unlikely that those of a red and white persuasion will be worrying about the possibility of a first relegation since 2013.

With Kamory Doumbia switching to top-tier foes Reims over the off-season, Les Pirates have since moved decisively to secure a suitable replacement as they prepare to battle on both domestic and continental fronts, with winger Abdallah Sima joining on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Lens Ligue 1 form:

Lens form (all competitions):

Brest Ligue 1 form:

Team News

Lens remain without the services of right-back Jimmy Cabot, who picked up a knee injury at the start of the month and should be back in September.

Les Sang et Or's options are also limited in the engine room, with Neil El Aynaoui failing to feature in a competitive match since a knee injury in late April.

Brest are unable to call upon the talents of Bradley Locko after he suffered an Achilles issue whilst competing for France at the Paris Olympics, meaning that the left-back could be sidelined until February.

Former Norwich City midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou is less of a serious concern, with the 31-year-old expected back next month following a leg break in May.

Playing 20 minutes in the defeat to Marseille last time out, Hiang'a Mbock is a doubt for Sunday afternoon's clash due to a groin strain.

Lens possible starting lineup:

Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Aguilar, Thomasson, Mendy, Chavez, Fulgini; Sotoca, Said

Brest possible starting lineup:

Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, Amavi; Martin, Camara, Pereira-Lage; Del Castillo, Le Douaron, Kante

We say: Lens 2-1 Brest

After success on the opening weekend of Ligue 1 and during the Conference League earlier this week, Lens should be full of confidence as they take on Brest on Sunday.

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