Preview: Brest vs. Angers - prediction, team news, lineups

Angers take on Brest in Ligue 1 on Sunday afternoon knowing that only three points will do if they want to remain in the race for European qualification.

Already sitting seven points clear of the relegation zone, Brest head into this contest aware that victory could take them to the brink of safety.

Match preview

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Despite remaining within six points of fifth place, there is a feeling that Angers could be in a much stronger position at this stage of the campaign.

Just two wins have been recorded from 11 fixtures in France's top flight, while just five points have come from their last six outings.

Stephane Moulin will be relatively content with not being involved in a relegation battle but that lack of pressure should only encourage the Black and Whites to throw caution to the wind over their final nine matches.

While there will be frustration with four goals being scored in seven matches, the issue deserves extra attention with just one of those strikes coming from open play.

As far as Brest are concerned, they came within a few minutes of earning an impressive draw at Marseille last weekend, eventually succumbing by a 3-1 scoreline.

Olivier Dall'Oglio will take the positives from pushing their hosts to the maximum, but the defeat has left Brest on the brink of becoming embroiled in a battle for survival.

With seven points the current margin above Nantes, the Pirates will not be panicking at this stage, particularly with many of the top clubs already out of the way.

Nevertheless, nine goals have been conceded in four matches, a remainder that complacency cannot become an issue over the closing weeks of the season.

Team News

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Irvin Cardona may be brought back into the Brest XI, potentially as a replacement for Steve Mounie.

Dall'Oglio could also hand a recall to midfielder Haris Belkebla with Paul Lasne likely dropping out of the side.

Mathias Pereira Lage is in contention to feature for Angers if Moulin opts to add more creativity to his team.

Stephane Bahoken could take the spot of Lois Diony, who has netted just once in his last seven appearances.

Brest possible starting lineup:
Larsonneur; Pierre-Gabriel, Chardonnet, Brassier, Perraud; Douaron, Lucas, Belkebla, Charbonnier; Faivre, Cardona

Angers possible starting lineup:
Bernardoni; Bamba, Traore, Thomas, Manceau; Amadou, Mangani; Coulibaly, Fulgini, Boufal; Bahoken

We say: Brest 1-2 Angers

With just 10 draws between them all season, we feel that a share of the spoils is an unlikely result this weekend. With that in mind and Angers having little to lose by pushing for a maximum return, the visitors could edge this contest by the odd goal in three.