Out-of-form Strasbourg seek to end a winless Ligue 1 record against Brest when they battle at Stade de la Meinau on Saturday.
Patrick Vieira's men have lost three in succession heading into gameweek 23, while the second-placed visitors aim to keep their extended undefeated run going.
Match preview
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After three Ligue 1 losses and a winless league run that now stands at five games, Strasbourg hope to return to winning ways for the first time in 2024, having last picked up maximum points against Lille in December.
La Racing have thrived in the Coupe de France, securing wins over Avoine Chinon, Clermont and Le Havre in the new year, but their worrying league results have them in 10th after 22 games.
While their position appears safe, only three points separate Vieira's side from 16th-placed Nantes, who occupy the relegation playoff spot in Ligue 1 heading into the concluding months of the campaign.
Strasbourg can be positive due to their knack for finding the back of the net, even if the tendency to concede at the other end could mar their top-flight prospects — Les Bleu et Blanc are on a five-game run in front of their fans in which they have scored and let at least one in at the back.
However, a recent winless run against Saturday's opponents — La Racing have not won the last three in the league — could dampen the mood before kickoff.
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As for Brest, last season's 14th-placed side are currently outperforming expectations to find themselves in second, with Champions League qualification on the cards if they sustain the current trajectory.
Les Pirates are undefeated in 11 Ligue 1 games — seven wins and four draws — and could match a 12-game unbeaten record set in 1990, motivating Eric Roy's men before the match commences.
With 40 points secured after 22 league games, the Pirates have doubled their total from last season at the same stage, underscoring this year's undeniable improvement.
While Roy's troops have lost three times on their travels this term, their last defeat came away at Monaco in November, a reverse that came during a three-game losing Ligue 1 run.
Brest are in healthier shape heading into this weekend's action, pointing to the away side inflicting even more misery on their opponents on Saturday.
Team News
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Dilane Bakwa received a late sending-off in Strasbourg's loss against Lorient, thus ruling out the wide attacker this weekend.
Vieira's men are without Moise Sahi Dion (groin), Jeremy Sebas and Lebo Mothiba (both knee), who are not expected to return until March.
Brest are without the suspended Marco Bizot and Steve Mounie, while Jordan Amavi (calf) may not return until next month.
Pierre Lees-Melou has netted in the Pirates' last two fixtures and should back himself for another game against off-form Strasbourg.
Strasbourg possible starting lineup:
Bellaarouch; Senaya, Perrin, Sylla, Guilbert; Angelo, Mwanga, Doukoure, Deminguet; Diarra; Emegha
Brest possible starting lineup:
Coudert; Lala, Brassier, Chardonnet, Locko; Magnetti, Lees-Melou, Doumbia; Castillo, Satriano, Lage
We say: Strasbourg 1-2 Brest
While a draw will not surprise, Brest are expected to secure their sixth away success of an outstanding season.
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