Brest v PSG: Doumbia threat and Paris depth set up Ligue 1 showdown

Brest host PSG at 18:45 GMT on Sunday in the fourth round of Ligue 1, with the two sides approaching the fixture from very different positions. Brest will look to Kamory Doumbia for inspiration, while Luis Enrique can call on a deep Paris squad as his team aim to avoid a setback.

Brest rely on Doumbia

Brest’s strongest hope of ending their difficult run against PSG rests with Doumbia, who has been the standout player at the start of the season.

The Mali international has scored four goals in three matches and currently leads the Ligue 1 goalscoring standings. He demonstrated his ability to decide a game almost single-handedly in Brest’s match against Le Havre, scoring twice.

PSG’s defence is still developing its understanding, and Doumbia’s pace, movement and finishing could provide Brest with their best opportunity to cause an upset. The hosts’ likely approach will be to put the forward in dangerous positions and hope he can maintain his current form.

Brest’s expected starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Selvik

Defenders: Bradley Locko, Gautier Lloris, Le Guen, Kenny Lala

Midfielders: Pathe Mboup, Magnetti, Kamory Doumbia, Chotard

Forwards: Mama Balde, Ajorque

PSG have options across the pitch

While Brest are heavily dependent on one key attacking player, PSG have considerable depth available to Luis Enrique.

The Paris club may not yet be operating at full strength, but they retain quality in every area of the team. Ferran Torres’ arrival has added another attacking option, while the expected return of Nuno Mendes should help PSG recover the balance and understanding that were among their strengths last season.

The size of the squad also gives Luis Enrique the possibility of rotating his players, managing the schedule and adapting to the way the match develops. Against Brest, PSG therefore have the resources to dictate the tempo and limit the risk of dropping points.

PSG’s expected starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Safonov

Defenders: Mendes, Pacho, Marquinhos, Hakimi

Midfielders: Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves, Vitinha

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche, Torres, Desire Doue

The match forms part of the fourth round of the French championship and will see PSG travel to face Stade Brestois.

According to the odds listed by 1xbet, PSG are priced at 1.30 to win, with a draw at 5.50 and a Brest victory at 9.50.