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Brest-PSG, a match valid for the Champions League playoffs, puts the Bretons (home team) against the French champions.

Brest and PSG are facing each other again, after the 5-2 victory that the defending champions achieved against the home team. This time, however, they are not playing in Ligue 1 and certainly not in Brittany, as the team coached by Eric Roy plays their home games in the Champions League at Guingamp. It may seem like a one-sided national derby, but that’s not the case. In fact, both matches between these two teams last year ended in a 2-2 draw.

Brest’s Lineup

In goal there will be Bizot, while in defense, Haidara (due to the injuries of Amavi and Locko) is the only natural left-back available. On the right, Lala is ready, with Chardonnet and N’Diaye favored over Coulibaly and the returning Le Cardinal to form the central defensive pair. In midfield, Less-Melou played a fantastic game against Nantes and will be confirmed. It remains to be seen who will play alongside him and in which formation.

The injury to Del Castillo could push the French coach to revert to a 4-3-1-2 formation. In case of a three-man midfield, the trio seen against the Canaries is likely to be confirmed, with Magnetti and Mahdi Camara flanking Less-Melou. The same applies if the 4-3-3 formation from the last league match is retained, while in the case of a 4-2-3-1 formation, Edimilson Fernandes would also be in contention for a spot.

However, this formation did not pay off in the league match and the injury to Del Castillo is a further setback. Therefore, a return to the 4-3-1-2 formation is possible, with Kamory Doumbia behind Mama Baldé (preferred over Sima) and the ever-present Ajorque. If the 4-3-3 formation is confirmed, Pereira-Lage and Ibrahim Salah could also be in contention, with Sima and Faivre as other options. Mama Baldé can also play as a winger if needed.

PSG’s Lineup

Luis Enrique is without Zaire-Emery but with Hakimi refreshed after a rest. The Moroccan, who was on the bench against Monaco, will definitely return to the starting lineup. Joao Neves has adapted to playing as a makeshift right-back in his absence, but now one of the midfield quartet (besides him, Désiré Doué, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz have played) will have to move to the bench to accommodate the former Inter player from the start.

The defensive line will be completed by Marquinhos, Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. PSG is not expected to rotate heavily for this match, but Lucas Beraldo and Lucas Hernandez are waiting in the wings.

In midfield, Vitinha is likely to retain his place, with Doué, Fabian, and Kang-In-Lee (given the probable confirmation of the former Benfica player) vying for the final spot.

The front three, consisting of Barcola and Kvara on the wings of Dembélé, is expected to remain unchanged, but watch out as both the South Korean and the former Rennes player can also play further forward. In goal, of course, Donnarumma.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with Antonio Conte in the background (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

Brest-PSG, Probable Lineups

Brest (4-3-1-2): Bizot; Haidara, N’Diaye, Chardonnet, Lala; Magnetti, Less-Melou, M.Camara; K.Doumbia; Mama Baldé, Ajorque.

PSG (4-1-2-3): Donnarumma; Nuno Mendes, Pacho, Marquinhos, Hakimi; Joao Neves; Kang-In-Lee, Vitinha; Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Barcola.

Where to Watch Brest-PSG

Brest-PSG, live from 18:45 on Tuesday, February 11th at the Stade du Roudourou in Guingamp, will be available on Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport 251 channels, as well as streaming on NOW TV/Sky GO.