Preview: Brest vs. Lorient - prediction, team news, lineups

Lorient begin the weekend in third, whereas a struggling Brest enters Sunday's clash within the Ligue 1 relegation zone.

Match preview

It has been a remarkable start to the Ligue 1 season for Lorient, who after nine matches reside inside the division's top three.

Currently third, Lorient sit just three points off leaders Paris Saint-Germain, having lost just one of their opening nine fixtures.

That defeat came against fourth-placed RC Lens back in August, with Lorient having since won each of their last five league outings.

Traditionally an unassuming side that bounces between the top two tiers in France, the prospect of European football will no doubt excite the Lorient faithful.

By contrast, Brest are staring down the barrel of relegation out of the first tier after a less-than convincing start to the campaign.

Sunday's 1-1 draw against Auxerre was just their sixth point of the campaign, following a run of one win from their first nine matches.

Brest's only win of the campaign came away to Angers in mid-August, with Sunday's hosts still looking for their first victory at home this season.

It has been six matches for Brest since they last tasted victory - a run the side from Brittany will be looking to amend this weekend.

History suggests they are in with a chance, as Brest have won three of their last five head-to-heads against Lorient across all competitions.

For Lorient, their record against Brest is sketchy, with just two wins from the last eight competitive meetings.

Brest Ligue 1 form:

L

L

D

L

L

D

Lorient Ligue 1 form:

L

W

W

W

W

W

Team News

Former Huddersfield Town man Steve Mounie is missing for Brest this weekend, as the forward looks to recover from a heel problem.

An illness means Hugo Magnetti could be a doubt for the home side, whereas Noah Fadiga is missing for Brest due to a concussion problem.

Dango Ouattara is not available for Lorient, as the midfielder sits Sunday's clash out due to suspension.

A muscle problem is likely to mean Adil Aouchiche misses this weekend's match, with Igor Silva unavailable due to a thigh problem.

Terem Moffi has stood out for Lorient this season and the forward took his tally to six goals for the campaign during last weekend's triumph.

Brest possible starting lineup:

Bizot; Duverne, ¬Chardonnet, Herelle, Brassier; Belkebla, Lees; Lage, Le Douaron, Honorat; Slimani

Lorient possible starting lineup:

Mvogo; Kalulu, Talbi, Laporte, Le Godd; Innocent, Abergel, Ponceau; Diarra, Le Fee, Moffi

We say: Brest 1-2 Lorient

Lorient will be keen to keep this strong form up for as long as possible, with their sights firmly set on a place in Europe.

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