Coupe de France | Round of 32

Jan 15, 2025 at 5.30pm UK

Stade Francis-Le Ble

Brest vs Nantes

Match preview

Brest recently ended a historic year in the French top flight with a 4-1 win over Nantes, capping a special 12 months in which they defied the odds to secure Champions League qualification.

Eric Roy's men then signed off for 2024 by defeating La Roche in the Coupe de France, with Ludovic Ajorque scoring the only goal to book their place in the last 32.

After suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Angers in their opening league match of the year, Les Pirates bounced back to record their first win of 2025 last weekend.

First-half goals from Ajorque and Mahdi Camara put Brest in control at the Stade Francis-Le Ble and they went on to record an impressive 2-1 win over top-four chasers Lyon to move up to 11th in Ligue 1.

In all, the Brittany outfit will play seven times in January, including the final two league games of the Champions League phase, where they are well placed to reach the knockout stages.

First, however, they will be looking to move one step closer to winning the Coupe de France, having never lifted the famous trophy in over 100 years of competition.

While Brest have lost just one of their last eight league games at home, Nantes arrive in Brittany with just one Ligue 1 away win to their name this term.

Despite his side hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, veteran coach Antoine Kombouare has so far avoided the sack, with a recent upturn in form saving his skin.

After defeating Drancy to progress in the cup, Les Canaris kicked off 2025 by holding Lille to a draw before welcoming Monaco to the Stade de la Beaujoire last Friday.

Despite taking a two-goal lead thanks to goals from Kelvin Amian and Matthis Abline, the Canaris had to settle for a single point - albeit one that keeps them just outside the bottom three.

The 2022 winners, who went on to lose 5-1 in the 2023 final, will now continue their quest for a fourth Coupe de France. However, they have lost three of their last four meetings with Brest, scoring just one goal in the process.

Recent Performance

Brest Coupe de France form:W

Brest form (all competitions):LWWWLW

Nantes Coupe de France form:W

Nantes form (all competitions):DWLWDD

Team News

Brest's injury list remains lengthy, with Soumaila Coulibaly and Bradley Locko both returning to light training this week, although neither will feature on Wednesday.

Julien Le Cardinal and Jonas Martin are also unavailable, while left-backs Jordan Amavi and Massadio Haidara both picked up knocks against Lyon.

However, influential midfielder Pierre Lees-Melou is close to returning to action and could be in Eric Roy's squad.

Meanwhile, Nantes will be without the injured Pedro Chirivella and Tino Kadewere, while Ignatius Ganago has joined MLS side New England Revolution on loan.

Goalkeeper Alban Lafont has been omitted from Antoine Kombouare's squad, so veteran stopper Anthony Lopes, who recently signed a short-term contract with Les Canaris, should start between the sticks.

Possible starting lineup

Brest possible starting lineup:

Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Ndiaye, Zogbe; Magnetti, Fernandes, Faivre; Del Castillo, Ajorque, Balde

Nantes possible starting lineup:

Lopes; Amian, Pallois, Zeze, Cozza; Castelletto; Thomas, Augusto, Lepenant, Simon; Abline