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

Meanwhile, the visitors currently occupy a place in the relegation zone, but they have picked up four points from a possible six in their last two outings.

Match preview

Despite Nice surrendering a two-goal lead in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Koln on Thursday night, it was still enough to seal progression to the Europa Conference League knockouts - their first appearance at this stage of a European competition since 2017-18.

Gaetan Laborde and Billal Brahimi hit two goals in three minutes for the French outfit before Koln got themselves back into the game with second-half strikes from Denis Huseinbasic and Ondrej Duda.

The result was not enough to secure a place in the knockout round for Koln, but Partizan Belgrade's draw with Slovacko meant that Nice advanced to the next phase as group winners.

Domestically, Les Aiglons have put together an unbeaten run of four games, which has seen them rise steadily to 10th in the table.

Lucien Favre will be thrilled with his side's performances in recent weeks, after enduring a dismal start to his second spell at the club having rejoined them during the summer after a successful two-year stint between 2016 and 2018.

Favre now seeks to extend Nice's unbeaten Ligue 1 run and move further up the table.

Meanwhile, Brest are coming off a mini-revival themselves with four points across their last two games following a winless run of eight matches.

The first clean sheet of the season was picked up in a goalless draw against Reims last weekend, and could serve as a catalyst for the visitors, who gear up for consecutive games against midtable opposition after Sunday's clash with Nice.

Making the most of the momentum they currently have could prove to be key for Les Pirates if they are to climb out of the relegation zone, as the last time Brest had fewer points after the first 13 games of a top-flight campaign, they were relegated in 1979-80.

Brest have scored in six of their last seven away league games, so perhaps temporary manager Bruno Grougi will not mind being on the road for this clash.

Nice did the double over Brest last season, so Grougi will be determined to right that wrong, starting here.

Nice Ligue 1 form:

L

L

W

D

D

W

Nice form (all competitions):

L

D

D

W

W

D

Brest Ligue 1 form:

L

D

L

L

W

D

Team News

Marcin Bulka and Andy Delort will be absent for the hosts due to respective shoulder and knee injuries, while Jean-Clair Todibo is available to return after serving a European suspension.

Gaetan Laborde has netted five goals in as many career matches against Brest, so he could be given the nod to start up front on Sunday.

Meanwhile, midfield lynchpin Pierre Lees-Melou will return to proceedings for the visitors after serving a one-game ban for an accumulation of yellow cards, while Steve Mounie and Jere Uronen both remain on the treatment table.

Grougi may opt for Jeremy Le Douaron to lead the line for Brest - his last three league goals came in a pair of 3-1 away wins.

Nice possible starting lineup:

Schmeichel; Attal, Todibo, Dante, Bard; Boudaoui, Lemina, Thuram, Brahimi; Pepe, Laborde

Brest possible starting lineup:

Blazquez; Fagida, Chardonnet, Brassier, Duverne; Camara, Magnetti; Del Castillo, Pereira Lage, Honorat; Le Douaron

We say: Nice 2-1 Brest

Both sides have gradually improved in recent weeks, but we think Nice will have enough to edge this contest considering their current unbeaten run, and their position in the table.

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