Brest and Nice meet with Ligue 1 standings separated by one point

Brest host Nice on Friday evening in a Ligue 1 fixture that could have a significant impact on the teams’ positions, with only one point separating them before kick-off.

The home side will aim to use the advantage of playing at Stade Francis-Le Ble, while Nice travel in search of a response after their 2-1 defeat by Lyon. The two clubs are set to meet in the eighth round of the French championship.

Brest are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the system designed to provide greater balance in midfield and allow the team to attack quickly in transition. With no further absences announced, the Brest coaching staff could have a competitive squad available for the match.

Egil Selvik is the projected goalkeeper, behind a defence of Kenny Lala, Lucas Tousart, Gautier Lloris and Bradley Locko.

Joris Chotard and Hugo Magnetti are expected to form the deeper midfield pairing. Mama Balde, Kamory Doumbia and Pathe Mboup could operate further forward, with Ludovic Ajorque leading the attack.

Nice expected to prioritise defensive strength

Nice will look to recover from their loss to Lyon by relying on defensive solidity and pace in attack. Ali Abdi’s involvement remains uncertain because of an injury, which may force the club’s staff to alter their plans for the away fixture.

Yehvann Diouf is expected to start in goal. The likely defensive selection includes Mohamed Abdelmonem, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Xavier Mandza, Jonathan Clauss and Hicham Boudaoui.

Axel Witsel, Niels Nkounkou, Gauthier Hein and Mohamed Amoura are the anticipated midfielders, while Elye Wahi is listed as the lone forward.

The match will give both sides an opportunity to strengthen their position in the Ligue 1 table. Brest will be seeking to move ahead in front of their own supporters, while Nice will attempt to respond positively after their defeat in Lyon.

The published betting prices list Brest as the favourites at 2.20. A draw is priced at 3.45, while an away win for Nice is listed at 3.10.