Two sides with contrasting form in Ligue 1 will face off this week when Brest take on Lorient at Stade Francis-Le Ble on Wednesday evening.
The hosts are currently in fifth place in the league standings with 28 points after 16 matches, while the visitors are second bottom with 12 points over the same period.
Match preview
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The 2023-24 league campaign has proven to be a huge step forward for Brest, who spent a large chunk of last season battling the drop before managing a 14th-placed finish.
This term, though, they are closer to the opposite end of the table with 28 points already to their name and just two points shy of Monaco in the third and final Champions League qualification spot.
After a winless run of results between October and early November, Les Pirates returned from the international break with a 3-1 win over Montpellier and have not lost a single match since.
Over the weekend, the hosts beat Nantes 2-0, which also saw them draw level on points with fourth-placed Lille and marked their fifth consecutive league match without defeat, including four wins and a draw.
While Brest were beaten by this opponent 2-1 in this fixture last season, Eric Roy's side will come into this match with huge confidence owing to their solid home record, which includes only one loss at Stade Francis-Le Ble this season.
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In complete contrast, Lorient look destined to fight for their survival in the top flight this season unless they can find some much-needed form in the second half of the league campaign.
Les Merlus ended last season comfortably in mid-table but are currently just one point above bottom club Clermont Foot and two points behind Toulouse, who are the first side above the dotted line.
Lorient suffered their eighth league defeat over the weekend, losing 2-1 to Strasbourg and marking their seventh consecutive league match without a win, including five losses and two draws.
The only wins they have managed this term were against Rennes and Lille in October and August, respectively, although both those victories were at home, meaning they have yet to win a match on their travels this season.
However, the one positive that Regis Le Bris can pick out this season is that his side have been good in attack, scoring 21 goals to date, which is the joint fourth-highest tally of the sides in the top flight with only Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and Marseille posting better numbers.
Team News
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Brest have two injury absentees coming into this match, with Achraf Dari (thigh) and Jordan Amavi (calf) both expected to return in the New Year.
Romain Del Castillo is the side's top scorer this season, with five goals to his name, and he should continue in the front three alongside Steve Mounie and Jeremy Le Douaron.
Tiemoue Bakayoko suffered a thigh injury in Lorient's 1-1 draw to Toulouse at the start of the month, and the midfielder is expected to remain sidelined until after the festive break.
Joining him on the treatment table are Ayman Kari (ankle), Loris Mouyokolo (groin), Dembo Sylla (foot) and Quentin Boisgard (foot).
Brest possible starting lineup:
Bizot; Locko, Brassier, Chardonnet, Lala; Magnetti, Lees-Melou, Camara; Del Castillo, Mounie, Le Douaron
Lorient possible starting lineup:
Mvogo; Mendy, Talbi, Toure, Mendy; Abergel, Innocent; Faivre, Ponceau, Tosin; Dieng
We say: Brest 2-1 Lorient
Brest have been one of the most improved sides in Ligue 1 this season and will be looking to secure another win before the December break. Lorient have failed to win a single match on the road this season, and we feel they will struggle to improve that record in this one.
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