Brest and PSG face off at Stade Francis-Le Blé on Saturday afternoon in a crucial Ligue 1 encounter.
Both sides will be searching for maximum points in an intriguing clash between a resilient home side and the defending French and European champions.
Brest vs PSG – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 25th October.
- Kick-off: 4pm BST.
- Venue: Stade Francis-Le Ble, Brest.
Brest Team News
Right-back Kenny Lala was forced off during the 3-3 draw with Lorient and his availability remains uncertain, potentially disrupting Roy’s defensive plans.
On a positive note, Junior Dina Ebimbe has found his scoring touch with a goal against Lorient, and the on-loan Frankfurt midfielder will be crucial in providing energy and attacking thrust from midfield. Ludovic Ajorque leads the line with three assists already this season, using his towering 6’6″ frame to excellent effect.
PSG Team News
Luis Enrique has received a timely injury boost with the return of several star players. Most significantly, Ousmane Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, has returned to full fitness after missing six weeks with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty. The French forward scored on his comeback against Bayer Leverkusen and provides PSG with a devastating attacking option.
Captain Marquinhos is also back in contention after recovering from a thigh injury that has kept him out for nearly four weeks. Young midfielder Désiré Doué has similarly returned from injury and impressed with a brace against Leverkusen in midweek.
However, Luis Enrique confirmed that midfielders Fabián Ruiz and João Neves remain doubtful for Saturday’s encounter. Despite these lingering concerns, PSG’s squad depth has been replenished at a crucial stage of the season as they juggle domestic and European commitments.
Form
Brest
Éric Roy’s side have enjoyed an impressive unbeaten run of four matches, building momentum after difficult early-season results. Les Pirates secured back-to-back victories against Nice (1-0) and Angers (2-0) before drawing 0-0 at home to Nantes and then sharing six goals in an entertaining 3-3 draw at Lorient.
Their home form at Stade Francis-Le Blé has been a cornerstone of their recent success. Brest have kept an impressive 17 clean sheets in 38 home Ligue 1 matches since the start of the 2023/24 season, second only to Nice in that period. This defensive solidity, combined with their ability to score nine goals across their last four league games, demonstrates a team growing in confidence under Roy’s guidance.
The direct, physical approach favoured by the manager has yielded results, with Brest playing more long balls (46.67 per 90) than any other Ligue 1 side. Their 4-2-3-1 formation emphasises quick transitions and exploiting Ajorque’s aerial prowess.
PSG
PSG’s season has been characterised by dominance punctuated by occasional defensive lapses. While they sit second in Ligue 1, just one point behind Marseille, their recent form has been mixed domestically with consecutive 1-1 and 3-3 draws against Lille and Strasbourg respectively.
However, Luis Enrique’s side emphatically silenced critics with a stunning 7-2 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday. The victory, featuring goals from multiple players including returning star Dembélé, showcased PSG’s frightening attacking depth and fluidity. Prior to that, they had also secured a vital 2-1 victory at Barcelona, maintaining their perfect Champions League record.
Predicted Lineups
Brest: Majecki; Lala, Coulibaly, Diaz, Locko; Chotard, Magnetti; Dina Ebimbe, Doumbia, Castillo; Ajorque.
PSG: Chevalier; Hakimi, Zabarnyi, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire Emery, Lee; Doue, Khvicha, Ramos, Barcola.
How to Watch Brest vs Napoli?
UK fans can watch the game on beIN SPORTS 1 and Ligue 1 Pass.
Read Also – Five things we learned from the Champions League action
See More – Champions League Team of the Week: Rashford, Gabriel, Gordon
