Brest face Troyes in Ligue 1 on Sunday (November 13) at Stade Francis-Le-Blais. Brest is 19th and Troy 13th and they are not safe alone. Brest’s recent form has not been good as they beat Clermont 3-1 on October 23 and have won just one of their last 11 games. Last weekend they lost 1-0 to Nice. Troyes is also in a very bad situation. They have won just once in their last nine games and coincidentally beat Clermont. However, they are unbeaten in at least 4 of their last 6 matches, including a 4-3 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Bruno Grudge’s replacement of Michel Der Zakarian as interim coach did not have the intended effect either, with the former Martinique international scoring four goals in four games. Brest could sign a permanent player to replace Zakarian during the World Cup break.
Troyes have been Ligue 1’s big entertainers so far this season, but the tag will provide little comfort to their fans who lost their jobs last week and former manager Bruno Irles. The fact that they finished 14th in six games and went winless was enough to tell Troy’s hierarchy that it was time for a change. Claude Robin will therefore take on interim responsibilities while they search for a new manager during the World Cup.
He still scored 11 goals in a six-game unbeaten run, including three at the Parc des Princes, but a 4-3 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain made it difficult to secure a second lead.
Brest vs Troyes Prediction
Although Troyes have performed better than Brest this season, it is a tough game to reach. He is a threat up front for the visitors but a worry at the back. However, Brest have struggled in front of goal all season and have drawn their last 8 matches. You can go either way, but the prediction is an away win. Neither team is currently playing football and will be hoping to avoid defeat before a long World Cup break in what has historically been an intense fixture.
Goals should be a near certainty, though, as both teams have scored in Troyes’ last seven games and Brest have also been stuck in defence.
Head-to-head
Brest is slightly ahead of Troy in the results of their last matches. They have won three of their last six games, including a 5-1 defeat in February. Troyes have not beaten Brest since April 2017.
Although not in the relegation zone, Troyes (29) have conceded more goals than bottom club Angers. However, their 25-goal attack is stronger than any team in the second half.
Only Ajaccio has scored fewer goals than Brest (14). Indeed, Brest have scored more than twice in two matches this season.
Mama Balde (7) is the goalscorer who linked Troy with Lionel Messi, the legend of Paris Saint-Germain.
Line-up
Brest oredicted starting lineup:
Camara, Lees-Melou, Belkebla; Del Castillo, Slimani, Honorat, Bizot; Fadiga, Chardonnet, Brassier, Duverne.
Troyes predicted starting lineup:
Kouame, Chavalerin, Conte; Odobert, Rony Lopes, Mama Balde, Lis; Porozo, Palmer-Brown, Salmier; T Balde.
Betting tips
Winner – Troyes win
Game to have at least 2.5 goals – Yes (There have been over 2.5 goals scored in six of Troyes’ last seven away games, and they’ve scored at least twice in their last three away outings.)
Brest to score one goal – Yes (Troyes have not kept a clean sheet this season in Ligue 1.)
Where to watch
Voot broadcasts and streams this match.