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

Toulouse will be looking to continue their perfect start to the new Ligue 1 season when they take on a dangerous Brest side at Stadium de Toulouse this Sunday.

Les Violets toppled OGC Nice in their season opener last week, while the Pirates battled to a thrilling draw with Lille OSC.

Match preview

After three straight years of finishing mid-table, Toulouse will be looking to push further up the standings and challenge some of the big boys of French football.

Les Violets certainly made an encouraging start to that ambition, defying the odds to beat a strong Nice side 1-0 away from home – one of seven Ligue 1 games to finish with that scoreline on the opening weekend.

If Toulouse are to climb the standings, picking up points at home will be crucial. Last season, the club only won five matches on home soil, which certainly did not help their chances.

Carles Martínez Novell and his men will be looking to turn their home ground into a fortress, starting with Sunday’s encounter against Brest.

Speaking of the Pirates, Eric Roy’s men were involved in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Lille in their season opener – without doubt the best game of the previous weekend in France.

Brest have enjoyed global exposure in recent times, not only thanks to Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher’s childish humour but also their Champions League exploits.

Since taking over the club in January 2023, Roy has transformed Brest from an average Ligue 1 side into a continental competitor – a truly incredible rise.

While the club failed to win their season-opening game, their attitude and determination to score goals suggest we could be in for another wild season.

Toulouse Ligue 1 form:

Brest Ligue 1 form:

Team News

Toulouse were without seven players for their opening-day win over Nice. Fortunately for the hosts, that number has gone down to four ahead of Sunday.

Ilyas Azizi, Abu Francis, Rafik Messali and Niklas Schmidt are all injured, though, and remain out of contention for this fixture.

Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes is also worth watching, considering he has conceded a career-high ten goals against Brest.

The danger man for Brest is undoubtedly Kamory Doumbia, who was in the thick of the action on matchday one, netting a brace. Another goal on Sunday would see him tie his goal tally for the entirety of last season.

Brest have no injuries or suspensions going into the weekend, meaning that they can field their strongest team.

Toulouse possible starting lineup: Restes; McKenzie, Cresswell, Sidibe; Methalie, Canvot, Sauer, Donnum; Gboho, Magri, Edjouma

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