Ligue 1 (29th matchday). Stade Brestois – RC Strasbourg, this Wednesday (7 p.m.)
One of the training grounds of Stade Brestois, Kerlaurent (Guipavas), is under construction. The Brest defense is also a bit shaky. On the eve of the second-to-last match of the season, this Wednesday, against Strasbourg (7 p.m.), Éric Roy laments an absence and two uncertainties in this area. Soumaïla Coulibaly, with fifteen starts this season, will not participate in the game. The defender preferred by Racing is injured in the shin and wouldn’t have been able to play in the first leg match anyway due to an agreement between the two clubs.
Left-back Bradley Locko is also unlikely to be in the group. “It’s not planned, but we’ll see,” stated the Brest coach on Tuesday, after a training session where the vice Olympic champion started with the group before finishing alone, off to the side, with a customized program. Captain Brendan Chardonnet is also uncertain. He still has rib issues and had to stop his session on Tuesday, half an hour before the end. The Conquistador couldn’t play the last match in Paris (1-0).
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Context: Stade Brestois is facing challenges due to injuries and uncertainties in the defensive line.
Fact Check: The Stade Brestois coach is evaluating potential absentees and uncertainties ahead of the upcoming match against Strasbourg.
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A promising tactical move at Parc des Princes, with a back three of Raphaël Le Guen – Lucas Tousart – Junior Diaz, could lead Éric Roy to consider fielding the trio again. Perhaps in a more traditional formation, with a Le Guen – Diaz center-back partnership and Tousart in midfield? “Lucas is an experienced player, capable of adapting,” praised Éric Roy. “But I think his position is to play in a double pivot, in front of the defense.” Suspended in Paris, Kenny Lala is expected to return as a starter. Junior Dina-Ebimbe and Kamory Doumbia, who showed promise in Paris, could also be in the lineup against Strasbourg.
Stade Brestois will try to end a streak of seven winless matches. Strasbourg is also not in great shape: Racing has only won one of their last seven games in all competitions and is coming off a frustrating elimination in the Conference League semi-finals against Rayo Vallecano (1-0, 0-1).
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Context: Stade Brestois aims to improve their performance after a series of poor results.
Fact Check: Stade Brestois coach emphasizes the importance of finishing the season well against Strasbourg and Angers.
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The probable lineups
STADE BRESTOIS: Coudert (g.) – Lala, Le Guen, Diaz (or Chardonnet), Guindo – Chotard, Tousart (or Magnetti) – Del Castillo, Doumbia, Dina Ebimbe – Ajorque. Substitutes: Majecki, Jauny (g.); Zogbè, Makalou, Lassus, Mboup, Baldé, Diop, Labeau-Lascary, Magnetti (or Tousart), Chardonnet (or Diaz), Irie. Uncertain: Chardonnet (ribs), Locko (hamstrings). Injured: Coulibaly (shin).
Coach: Eric Roy.
STRASBOURG: Penders – Doukouré, Omobamidele, Doukouré (cap), Chilwell – Amougou, El Mourabet – Moreira, Nanasi, Godo – Enciso. Coach: Gary O’Neil (ENG).
Substitutes: Johnsson (g.), Bajic (g.), Högsberg, Cissé, Noubissie, Sabaly, Ouattara, Barco, Oyedele, 1Mwanga, Yassine, Amo-Ameyaw, Luis, Diémé, Bosey. Absent: Emegha, Panichelli, Anselmino, D. Fofana (injured).
