Preview: Lens vs Brest - prediction, team news, lineups

RC Lens will be looking to secure their second win of the new Ligue 1 season when they welcome Brest to the Bollaert-Delelis Stadium this Friday night.

The Blood and Gold officially got off the mark last weekend, while the Pirates suffered a frustrating night in the south of France.

Match preview

Lens kicked off the new Ligue 1 season a fortnight ago with a difficult home game against Lyon. Despite the high level of opposition, Pierre Sage and his men were undoubtedly the better team, enjoying more possession, more shots, and a lot more touches in the opposing box.

In the end, the only stat that mattered was against them, as Lyon took all three points back home thanks to a 1-0 victory.

Lens were taught a lesson in clinical finishing, and they certainly put things right the following week; the Blood and Gold made the short trip to Le Havre and came away with a 2-1 win, despite only having three shots on target.

Sage’s men will now be looking to continue their clinical nature as they prepare to take on last season’s Champions League fan favourites, Brest.

The Pirates were involved in a thrilling game with Lille on the opening weekend of the season – a 3-3 draw at their home ground.

Brest hit the road a week later, but instead of building on a promising performance against one of the leading Ligue 1 clubs, they were thumped in the south of France.

Toulouse are not regarded as one of the heavyweights of the league, yet they were able to secure a solid 2-0 win over a Brest side that failed to muster a single big chance.

Eric Roy, the man behind the club’s recent successes, will now be hoping for a big turnaround in fortunes as his men prepare for yet another away day.

Lens Ligue 1 form:

L W

Brest Ligue 1 form:

D L

Team News

Lens will have to continue their search for successive Ligue 1 wins without a couple of injured players.

Ecuador’s Jhoanner Chavez is currently nursing an ankle injury, while Uruguay’s Martin Satriano is struggling with a leg problem.

Brest, on the other hand, have a fully fit squad at their disposal as they look to secure their first league win of the season.

Kamory Doumbia, who scored a brace against Lille on the opening weekend of the campaign, will be the key danger man for the visitors. Forward Ludovic Ajorque is also worth keeping an eye on as the Frenchman looks to open his goalscoring account.

Lens possible starting lineup: Risser; Udol, Sarr, Gradit; Machado, Sylla, Thomasson, Aguilar; Said, Guilavogui; Fofana

Brest possible starting lineup: Majecki; Locko, Le Cardinal, Chardonnet, Lala; Magnetti, Lees-Melou, Doumbia; Balde, Ajorque, Del Castillo

We say: Lens 2-1 Brest

Lens are not only full of confidence following last weekend’s victory, but they also boast a solid head-to-head record against Brest, winning their last three encounters.

The Pirates underperformed away at Toulouse last time out, and they face another difficult trip to Lens. Bearing everything in mind, we have no choice but to back a home victory.

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