Ligue 1 | Gameweek 25

Mar 9, 2025 at 2pm UK

Stade Francis-Le Ble

Brest vs Angers

Match preview

Eric Roy's Brest enjoyed some excellent early-season form in the Champions League, winning six out of seven matches between mid-December and mid-January, but their current seven-match winless streak has put their campaign in jeopardy.

Last time out, Les Pirates lost 2-1 away to Lyon in a match that will ultimately be remembered for the actions of Les Gones boss Paulo Fonseca, which earned him an unprecedented nine-month ban.

On the pitch, Roy's side disappointingly let an early lead from Kenny Lala's penalty slip away and last Sunday's defeat left the hosts 10th in the French top flight, six points behind OL, who occupy the Conference League qualifying spot.

To make matters worse, Brest's home record is particularly poor and with four defeats and a draw from their last five games at the Stade Francis-Le Ble, they will not take much confidence from playing on their own turf.

Nevertheless, three points on Sunday could see Les Pirates leapfrog both Lens and Toulouse - who are three points adrift of the European places - should results elsewhere go their way.

Meanwhile, Alexandre Dujeux's Angers have been in mixed form heading into this weekend's clash, and with three defeats, two draws and just one win in their last six Ligue 1 games, they will see the trip to struggling Brest as a golden opportunity to pick up points.

Most recently, Le SCO were knocked out of the Coupe de France with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Toulouse, a result that left Dujeux's side 13th in the standings, seven points above Le Havre in the relegation play-offs.

The visitors will be confident of picking up three vital points on Sunday, both because of their opponents' poor form and their own excellent away record, with six wins, one draw and just one defeat in all competitions since mid-December.

Should Angers win away from home this weekend, they could find themselves in 11th place by the next round of fixtures, with a win potentially leapfrogging rivals Auxerre and Rennes to secure their position in the division.

Recent Performance

Brest Ligue 1 form:WLWDDL

Brest form (all competitions):LDLDLL

Angers Ligue 1 form:LDLWDL

Angers form (all competitions):WLWDLL

Team News

Brest left-back Bradley Locko could be in the squad this weekend, but is unlikely to start as he continues to build up his fitness after a lengthy injury lay-off.

In the meantime, Massadio Haidara is likely to continue on the left of a defence that includes Julien Le Cardinal, Brendan Chardonnet and Kenny Lala.

Angers will be without centre-back Cedric Hountondji, who has not featured in a matchday squad since 26 January.

In his absence, Abdoulaye Bamba and Jordan Lefort will start at the heart of defence, with Carlens Arcus and Florent Hanin at full-back.

Elsewhere, young striker Sidiki Cherif is out with an injury, although Ahmadou Bamba Dieng should be ready to start up front again.

Possible starting lineup

Brest possible starting lineup:

Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Cardinal, Haidara; Lage, Melou, Magnetti, Sima; Camara; Ajorque

Angers possible starting lineup:

Fofana; Arcus, Bamba, Lefort, Hanin; Aholou, Abdelli; Ferhat, Belkhdim, El Melali; Dieng