Brest vs. Lens Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 20 April 2025 - bettingexpert
This upcoming Ligue 1 clash between Brest and Lens at Stade Francis le Ble promises to be a critical juncture in the season. With Brest sitting in 8th place with 44 points and Lens closely trailing in 9th with 42 points, both teams are eyeing a strong finish as we enter the final stretch of the campaign.
Brest’s recent home form has been impressive, boasting a DWWDW run and having maintained their unbeaten streak in the last four home games. Lens, under the guidance of coach Will Still, are coming into the game with mixed recent results, having won three of their last five matches (LWLWW). The referee for this encounter will be Benoit Millot, which adds a sense of familiarity for these sides used to his officiating.
Ludovic Ajorque, Brest’s top scorer with 12 goals, and Lens’ M’Bala Nzola, with 6 goals, will be key players to watch. Given the attacking strength of both teams and their knack for early goals, our prediction leans towards over 2.5 goals in the first half. Keep an eye out for Brest’s somewhat shaky defense, which has conceded 13 goals in its last six matches.
With both teams keen to secure a vital victory and exciting talent on both sides, this promises to be an engaging fixture.
Brest vs Lens Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this match is to go for “Over 2.5 goals in the 1st half.” This choice stems from the high-scoring nature of both teams and their current form.
| Brest vs Lens Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Over 2.5 goals in the 1st half | 2.33 |
- Brest’s top scorer, Ludovic Ajorque, has been in phenomenal form, making early goals likely.
- Brest’s defense has struggled recently, conceding 13 goals in their last 6 matches, indicating potential for multiple goals in the first half.
- Lens’ Adrien Thomasson has a history of impactful performances against Brest, which could lead to early scoring opportunities.
Both teams are poised to put on a dynamic display, making this bet a sound choice.
Brest vs Lens Odds
| Brest vs Lens Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Brest | 2.33 |
| Draw | 3.34 |
| Lens | 3.00 |
The bookmakers slightly favor Brest to take the win at Stade Francis-Le Blé, reflecting their strong home form and superior attacking output. However, Lens shouldn’t be counted out, given their ability to grind out results even against top opposition. With the odds fairly balanced, it promises to be an intriguing match-up. Keep an eye on live odds as the game progresses. The potential for an upset or a high-scoring draw makes this clash one to watch.
Brest Team Analysis
Brest Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Etienne | Brest | 2025-04-13 | Ligue 1 | 3-3 (Draw) |
| Brest | Monaco | 2025-04-05 | Ligue 1 | 2-1 (Win) |
| Toulouse | Brest | 2025-03-30 | Ligue 1 | 2-4 (Win) |
| Brest | Reims | 2025-03-16 | Ligue 1 | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Brest | Angers | 2025-03-09 | Ligue 1 | 2-0 (Win) |
Brest have been on a solid run, unbeaten in their last five matches with a form of DWWDW. Their attacking prowess is evident as they’ve netted an average of 2.20 goals per game in their last five outings.
With two clean sheets in these matches, they have shown defensive resilience. Key victories against Monaco and Toulouse have bolstered their position in the top half of the table.
Conceding only 1.6 goals on average this season highlights some defensive robustness, although they could tighten up at times. Expect them to be a formidable force at Stade Francis-le-Blé, where they are known to be particularly strong.
Brest Key Players
Brest’s attacking force will be led by their top scorer, Ludovic Ajorque, who has netted 12 goals this season. His presence upfront is complemented by playmakers like Pierre Lees-Melou and Hugo Magnetti in the midfield. The combination of Ajorque’s clinical finishing and Lees-Melou’s creativity could be pivotal.
Expected lineup for Brest:
- Goalkeeper: Marco Bizot
- Defenders: Luck Zogbe, Brendan Chardonnet, Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Massadio Haidara
- Midfielders: Pierre Lees-Melou, Mahdi Camara, Hugo Magnetti
- Attackers: Abdallah Sima, Ludovic Ajorque, Mathias Pereira Lage
Key individual battles to watch include Brest’s Ajorque against Lens’ solid defenders like Facundo Medina and Jonathan Gradit.
As Brest aims to exploit their attacking strengths, the role of their midfielders in supporting both defense and attack will be crucial.
Brest Suspensions & Injuries
Brest face some significant challenges heading into this match with several key players sidelined due to injuries. These absences could impact their performance and depth on the field.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Bradley Locko | Achilles tendon | Late April 2025 |
| Ibrahim Salah | Foot injury | Late April 2025 |
| Soumaïla Coulibaly | Groin injury | Late April 2025 |
| Justin Bourgault | Foot injury | Late April 2025 |
| Romain Faivre | Knee injury | Late April 2025 |
<br><br>
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Kenny Lala | Yellow cards | After this match |
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These injuries, particularly in their defensive and midfield roles, mean Brest will need to rely on their bench strength and younger players to fill the gaps.
Kenny Lala’s suspension also leaves a key defensive position open, potentially making Brest more vulnerable to Lens’ attacks.
Brest Tactics and Formation
Brest Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Ludovic Ajorque
- Midfield Trio: Pierre Lees-Melou, Mahdi Camara, Hugo Magnetti
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Strong attack during the 76-90 and 16-30-minute intervals.
Details:
Brest, managed by Eric Roy, aims to capitalize on their attacking prowess. With Ludovic Ajorque spearheading the offensive line, the team relies heavily on the creativity and work rate of their midfield trio.
Defensively, while they’ve secured two clean sheets in their last five outings, the absence of Kenny Lala due to suspension could leave them vulnerable.
Their high-scoring potential, especially late in the game, reflects their resilience and ability to press until the final whistle.
Lens Team Analysis
Lens Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lens | Reims | 2025-04-11 | Ligue 1 | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Lens | Saint-Etienne | 2025-04-06 | Ligue 1 | 1-0 (Win) |
| Lille | Lens | 2025-03-30 | Ligue 1 | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Lens | Rennes | 2025-03-15 | Ligue 1 | 1-0 (Win) |
| Marseille | Lens | 2025-03-08 | Ligue 1 | 0-1 (Win) |
Lens have displayed mixed form recently, notching up three wins and suffering two defeats in their last five matches.
- Recent Form: LWLWW
- Despite their inconsistency, they’ve managed three clean sheets within the last five games.
- On average, Lens have scored just 0.60 goals per game within this period, highlighting their offensive struggles.
This combination of strong defensive showings and challenges in attack could be pivotal in the upcoming clash with Brest.
Lens Key Players
Lens, currently in 9th place, will be looking to key players to make a significant impact in this crucial match against Brest. M’Bala Nzola, the team’s top scorer with 6 goals, will need to step up his game given Lens’ recent scoring struggles. His battles against Brest’s centre-backs Brendan Chardonnet and Abdoulaye Ndiaye could be critical. Adrien Thomasson in midfield has also shown his capability, having scored against Brest before.
Expected lineup for Lens:
- Goalkeeper: Mathew Ryan
- Defenders: Jonathan Gradit, Malang Sarr, Facundo Medina
- Midfielders: Kyllian Antonio, Adrien Thomasson, Andy Diouf, Jeremy Agbonifo
- Attackers: Florian Sotoca, Goduine Koyalipou, Anass Zaroury
Key individual battles and tactical duels in both attack and defense will be intriguing to watch.
Lens Suspensions & Injuries
Lens are dealing with a string of injuries and suspensions that could significantly impact their performance against Brest.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Satriano | Cruciate ligament injury | Early June 2025 |
| Rémy Labeau Lascary | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for the season |
| Jhoanner Chávez | Ankle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Denis Petric | Back injury | Late April 2025 |
| Ruben Aguilar | Hamstring injury | Early May 2025 |
| Juma Bah | Concussion | About 1-2 weeks |
| Deiver Machado | Groin injury | Early May 2025 |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Deiver Machado | Yellow cards | 1 match left |
These absences, particularly in the defensive ranks and midfield, could force coach Will Still to make tactical adjustments. With key players like Deiver Machado and Juma Bah sidelined, Lens’ defense may struggle to contain Brest’s potent attack. This situation presents an opportunity for backup players to step up in a challenging fixture.
Lens Tactics and Formation
Lens’ Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-3
- Key Forward: Goduine Koyalipou
- Midfield Duo: Adrien Thomasson, Andy Diouf
- Defensive Line: Jonathan Gradit, Malang Sarr, Facundo Medina
Strategic Elements:
- Lens typically employs a 3-4-3 formation, aiming to dominate the midfield with a heavy presence in the center.
- Key Forward: Goduine Koyalipou is expected to lead the attack, flanked by Florian Sotoca and Anass Zaroury, providing width and pace.
- Midfield Influence: Adrien Thomasson and Andy Diouf are crucial in controlling the tempo and transitioning the ball from defense to attack.
- Defensive Resilience: With three clean sheets in their last five games, Lens’ defense, bolstered by Jonathan Gradit and Facundo Medina, has been solid.
- Notable Strategy: Lens might look to capitalize on Brest’s weaker defensive stats, particularly late in each half.
The absences of key players like Deiver Machado and Juma Bah will force tactical adjustments, but Lens’ ability to adapt might just be the deciding factor in this fixture.
Brest vs Lens Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lens | Brest | 2024-08-25 | Ligue 1 | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Lens | Brest | 2024-03-09 | Ligue 1 | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Brest | Lens | 2023-08-13 | Ligue 1 | 3-2 (Win) |
| Brest | Lens | 2023-02-05 | Ligue 1 | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Brest | Lens | 2023-01-22 | Coupe de France | 1-3 (Loss) |
In their last five encounters, Brest has recorded one win and one draw, while Lens has secured three victories. Brest will look to leverage their home advantage, having demonstrated resilience in previous matchups at Stade Francis-Le Blé.
Odds accurate as of 18.04.2025 16:16, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
