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

Despite the gulf in class between the sides now, these two clubs were in the same division back in 2002-03, and Trelissac took four points off Brest, despite eventually being relegated from the third tier.

Match preview

After an incredible run of form to finish 2023, Brest picked up where they left off on their return to league action, beating Montpellier 2-0 last weekend.

That means they have collected an incredible 19 points from their last seven league games, catapulting them up into the Champions League group stage places in third.

Brest's opening encounter of 2024 saw them book their passage in this round by beating Ligue 2 leaders Angers on home soil, as the winter break evidently did not disrupt their momentum.

The club has never won the Coupe though, as quarter-final runs in 1982-83 and 2014-15 are still their best-ever performances in the competition.

Brest have suffered some embarrassing defeats in the past few years, losing to lower-tier clubs Stade Briochin, FC Fleury and Concarneau in the last seven seasons.

Manager Eric Roy is clearly keen to avoid any repeats of that, publicly telling his players: "Don't relax by gaining too much confidence in the face of a National 2 side".

Trelissac are not a side who can be written off either, despite them currently being in the relegation zone of Group B in the fourth tier.

Herve Loubat's side are unbeaten in their last eight games in all competitions - winning five - and three of those victories have come in this excellent cup run.

It has been much needed considering Trelissac won none of their opening seven games, but along with their strong cup form, they have taken eight points in their last four league games.

While the calibre of their opponents has not been notable, three straight wins on the road against Etoile Maritime, Bassin D'Arcachon and Fabregues to get this far has still been impressive.

This will be Trelissac's final season as an independent club, before they merge with fellow round of 32 competitors Bergerac at the end of the season.

The club now has the opportunity to equal their best-ever run in the Coupe in their final season, as they also reached the last 16 in 2015-16 thanks to beating Lille on penalties, before going down to Marseille.

Trelissac Coupe de France form:

Trelissac form (all competitions):

Brest Coupe de France form:

W

Brest form (all competitions):

D

W

W

W

W

W

Advert - content below:

Team News

Trelissac are thin on the ground in terms of numbers, as they were only able to name five substitutes for the win over Fabregues.

Attacker Joris Gouache and left-back Thibault Hamel are among those first-team players currently out injured.

Among those set to feature, Jorris Romil has been superb in the Coupe, as despite only have one goal in the league so far, he has three in this competition, following a brace in the 4-1 win at Fabregues.

While the Africa Cup of Nations has affected many Ligue 1 clubs, Brest have just one player away, with Kamory Doumbia on duty with Mali.

Despite heavy speculation linking him with AC Milan and Monaco, Lilian Brassier featured in the win over Montpellier, but he did not play in the previous round, so could sit this one out again.

Axel Camblan was sent off in that win over Angers so should return to the squad, but most likely only as a substitute.

Brest are expected to be without two players due to injury, as Jordan Amavi has a calf issue, and Adrien Lebeau missed the fixture last weekend with a knock.

Trelissac possible starting lineup:

Navaux; Gassama, Hamdi, Wanduka, Michau; Nkulu, Samba; Bisson, Diakite, Grain; Romil

Brest possible starting lineup:

Coudert; Lala, Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, Locko; Magnetti, Martin, Camara; Del Castillo, Satriano, Le Douaron

We say: Trelissac 0-4 Brest

Brest have overcome most teams in Ligue 1 with relatively little fuss over the past two months, seeing them surge up the table, and their fourth-tier opponents should not provide too much of an obstacle for them to surpass.

Previews by email