PSG vs Brest Prediction & Betting Tips (14 September)

The Parisian club secured its place in the group stage of the Champions League thanks to a new French championship title won last spring, with a comfortable lead over its runner-up, AS Monaco. Their summer preparation was rather modest, with only two friendly matches against Sturm Graz 2-2 and RB Leipzig 1-1. Luis Enrique's men started the season with a laborious victory against Le Havre 1-4. Last week, they delivered an impressive performance to crush Montpellier 6-0 and take the lead in the standings. For their first real challenge of the season, the Parisians had a few scares on the Lille field but ultimately triumphed 1-3. Unexpected in the race for the podium last year, Stade Brestois nevertheless managed to seize 3rd place in the final ranking, just behind PSGand AS Monaco.

They will therefore find themselves participating in the Champions League from next month. This qualification could prove to be a real challenge for a team which is struggling to be solid on several fronts, and even more so against the most prestigious of European competitions. The first signs are not encouraging: during the first two days, the Finisterians suffered a crushing defeat at home against Marseille 1-5 and then lost against Lens 2-0 in a match which could have been more severe. However, hope was born on the 3rd day with a resounding victory against the promoted ASSE 4-0. 

The PSG transfer window was strongly influenced by the transfer of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid, a significant loss for the Parisian club where he had scored 27 goals in Ligue 1. In addition to Mbappé, several players left the club: Ethan Mbappé ( Lille), Kurzawa, goalkeepers Letellier, Navas and Rico, as well as defender Danilo Pereira (Al-Ittihad) and young midfielder Michut. Mukiélé also transferred to Bayer Leverkusen. Ugarte (Manchester United) and Soler (West Ham) also left the capital. On the other hand, PSG recruited goalkeeper Safonov (Krasnodar), young Joao Neves (Benfica), Ecuadorian defender Pacho (Eintracht Frankfurt) and young nugget Désiré Doué (Rennes). Luis Enrique, however, must do without injured French internationals Lucas Hernandez and Kimpembe, as well as center forward Gonçalo Ramos, who recently suffered a broken ankle. The young Barcola, author of 4 goals in 3 matches, particularly stands out, surpassing Lee (2 goals). Neves contributed with 4 assists, while Dembélé scored 1 goal and delivered 2 assists. Stade Brestois naturally saw several of its players leave the club after a remarkable season.

Center forward Mounié, who scored 6 goals with Augsburg, as well as solid defender Brassier, transferred to Marseille, left the team. Replacement Lebeau was sold to Hansa Rostock, while Uruguayan Satriano, author of 4 goals and 4 assists, returned to Italy before signing for Lens. The young Doumbia, loaned last year and having scored 6 goals at Reims, is back at Brest, unlike Bilal Brahimi, less influential, who was not retained. The Brestois, however, have strengthened their squad with defenders Ndiaye (Troyes) and Haïdara (Lens), midfielder Faivre (Bournemouth, loan), winger Sima (Brighton, loan) as well as attackers Ajorque (Mainz, loan) and Baldé (Lyon). Left back Amavi was acquired permanently, and defenders Coulibaly (Dortmund) and Edimilson Fernandes (Mainz) arrived on loan, as did Rennais Salah. Unfortunately, Bradley Locko, affected by a ruptured Achilles tendon, will be absent for a large part of the season, and Pierre-Lees Melou, seriously injured at the end of the previous season, will also have to wait before returning. Recruit Ndiaye will resume after his suspension, while other new recruits Haïdara, Doumbia, Baldé and Salah will be available for the group.