PSG will be keen to continue their surge up the table when they face Brest on Sunday night.
Defending champions PSG have rediscovered their mojo of late and will be keen to secure all three points against Brest on Sunday night.
The home side are enjoying a fine start to the 2023/24 season and find themselves in the firth spot. Given their 14th placed finish last season, Eric Roy will be keen to make the most of their purple patch and put points on the board.
Paris Saint-Germain started the season off inconsistently but have of late started to thrive in Luis Enrique’s system. They have won the last two league games while also dismantling AC Milan 3-0 in the midweek UEFA Champions League group stage clash.
While it would be premature to claim that the Parisians are back to their best, the steady progress and confidence coursing through the side is undeniable. Brest go into the clash as massive underdogs. And unless they can up their game, could be in for a difficult night.
Les Pirates have taken just two points from their last three league games, and there are signs to suggest their momentum is losing steam. However, Roy’s men are still one of four sides yet to lose a home game in Ligue 1 and will hope that home support can see them through.
History, however, speaks differently given that PSG are on a 11-game winning streak against Brest. In fact, the last time Les Pirates came out on top against their more distinguished opponents was in 1985. To put it into perspective, none of the players in either squad were alive the last time PSG fell to Brest in the league. The Hard Tackle looks at how both sides could line up on Sunday and what tactics they might employ.
Team News & Tactics
Stade Brestois 29 (Brest)
#SB29PSG💬 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗼𝘆 : ” Le Paris Saint-Germain est plus fort que nous, c’est indéniable. Mais au football, ce n’est pas toujours le meilleur qui gagne. Alors je vous rassure, on ne compte pas sur la chance pour y arriver mais sur un engagement fort et un état d’esprit… pic.twitter.com/QWosrDXjG2
— Stade Brestois 29 (@SB29) October 27, 2023
Eric Roy’s men have started the season well but have shown signs of fizzing out in recent weeks. However, they remain a formidable force at home and are one of four sides yet to lose a game in their home stadium in the league this season.
Les Pirates have a fully fit squad at their disposal with no player ruled out due to injuries or suspensions. In fact, they signed Ivorian Under-20 international Luck Zogbe last week, giving Roy more options to opt from against PSG.
The 4-2-3-1 formation appears to be the home side’s go to tactic on the night, helping them put numbers in the middle of the park and hope to seize control of the game’s pace. Marco Bizot should start in goal behind the back four of Kenny Lala, Brendan Chardonnet, Lilian Brassier, and Bradley Locko.
Hugo Magnetti and Jonas Martin should hold the fort as the double pivot, providing security to the home side’s rearguard. The trio of Romain Del Castillo, Pierre Lees-Melou and Jeremy Le Douaron will aim to cause havoc further upfield and will hope to craft opportunities for Martin Satriano to find the back of the net.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Brassier, Locko; Magnetti, Martin; Castillo, Lees-Melou, Le Douaron; Satriano
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
The French champions are slowly yet steadily finding their rhythm under Luis Enrique and will now hope to chip away at OGC Nice’s four-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 standings.
PSG have played a game less and can move to within a point off the top should they secure all three points at Brest. Given the history between both the sides, few will bet against the visitors coming away with a victory.
Luis Enrique will be without Sergio Rico, Nuno Mendes and Marco Asensio, all of whom are out injured. Presnel Kimpembe and Juan Bernat are both also doubtful, and it remains to be seen if they will make the cut.
PSG will in all likelihood retain their 4-3-3 formation and start Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. He should be protected by a back four of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Milan Skriniar and Lucas Hernandez.
⚽️ 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄
🆚 Brest
🗓️ 29/10 – 13h
🏟️ Stade Francis Le Blé@visitrwanda_now I #SB29PSG pic.twitter.com/JtSgsXjuyA— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) October 27, 2023
Vitinha should hold the fort in midfield, with Manuel Ugarte and Warren Zaire-Emery in support. The latter caught the eye against Milan and continues to see his stock rise rapidly. Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe should provide the cutting edge on the flank, with Goncalo Ramos leading the line as the number nine. The front three are clicking into gear and will take some stopping if they have their act together.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez; Ugarte, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Ramos, Mbappé
Key Stats
- Brest have lost 19 of their 33 Ligue 1 clashes against PSG. They have not suffered more losses to any other side in the top flight.
- PSG are on an 11-game winning streak against Brest in Ligue 1.
- Brest have not defeated PSG in their last 23 encounters in Ligue 1. Brest last defeated PSG in 1985.
- A loss on Sunday will see Brest lose consecutive league games for the first time since February 2023.
- Brest have lost just one of their previous 10 home games in the league.
Player to Watch
Warren Zaire-Emery
The youngster was the star of the show against AC Milan and made a mockery of his age with the scintillating performance on the night. The very fact that the 17-year-old continues to start for a PSG side brimming with world-class players speaks volumes of his potential.
Zaire-Emery will hope to continue his purple patch of form against Brest and will hope to cement his spot as a regular starter. The youngster has certainly raised interest in his services thanks to the midweek performance and he will be one to watch on Sunday night.
Prediction
Stade Brestois 0-3 Paris Saint-Germain
The visitors are the favourites going into the game and hold the historical advantage in this clash. Enrique’s men are slowly finding their feet and will be keen to continue their winning momentum. There is little reason to suggest anything less than a convincing win for PSG, taking them to within a single point off the top.
