Lyon vs Brest Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 18 January

Lyon will face Brest at Groupama Stadium on Sunday, 18 January, in what promises to be an intriguing clash in Ligue 1. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the league standings. Lyon, playing at home, will aim to leverage their familiarity with Groupama Stadium to secure a win. Meanwhile, Brest will be eager to upset the hosts and earn valuable points on the road.

The significance of this match in Ligue 1 cannot be understated, as both Lyon and Brest are striving to improve their positions in the league table. With Lyon’s home advantage and Brest’s determination to make their mark away from home, this encounter could have a significant impact on their respective campaigns. These betting tips will explore the potential outcomes and key factors that could influence the result of this match.

Lyon vs Brest Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Lyon to lead at half-time	2.2

With Lyon’s impressive form, having won five out of their last six matches, and their position as fifth in the league, our recommended betting tip is for Lyon to win in regular time. Lyon’s scoring consistency and Brest’s mid-table standing make this a strong choice.

• Lyon have scored in 76% of their matches this season, demonstrating their attacking prowess.
• Brest’s average of 1.8 yellow cards per match indicates potential defensive vulnerabilities.
• Lyon’s recent form of five wins from six matches underlines their current dominance.

Betting Odds

Lyon are stepping onto the pitch at Groupama Stadium as clear favourites, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage. At 1.62, backing Lyon seems like a solid choice for those confident in their home form.

Betting Tip	Odds
Lyon to win	1.62
Draw	3.99
Brest to win	5.06

However, Brest’s odds at 5.06 might tempt those looking for an upset, especially considering their potential to surprise on the road. The draw, priced at 3.99, also offers decent returns for those expecting a closely contested match.

Lyon Analysis & Past Performance

Lyon enter this match against Brest on a formidable run of form, having secured five consecutive victories. Their recent performance in the Coupe de France against Lille saw them claim a 2-1 win, underlining their ability to perform under pressure away from home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Lille	Lyon	1 – 2 (Win)	French Cup	11 Jan 2026
Monaco	Lyon	1 – 3 (Win)	Ligue 1	3 Jan 2026
Lyon	St Cyr Collonges au Mont d’Or	3 – 0 (Win)	French Cup	21 Dec 2025
Lyon	Le Havre	1 – 0 (Win)	Ligue 1	14 Dec 2025
Lyon	Go Ahead Eagles	2 – 1 (Win)	Europa League	11 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• W W W W W

Lyon’s attack has been exceptionally productive, averaging 2.20 goals per match in their last five fixtures, while their defence has shown commendable resilience, conceding only 0.60 goals on average per game. They have managed to keep two clean sheets during this period, signalling a balanced approach between offence and defence. Notably, they have a remarkable home record, winning four out of their last five home games, maintaining an 80% win ratio at Groupama Stadium.

Lyon Suspensions & Injuries

Lyon face a challenging situation with the absence of key players, notably Corentin Tolisso, who is suspended for accumulating yellow cards. His absence in midfield will require a tactical reshuffle. Orel Mangala might be tasked with a more central role to fill the gap, which could impact Lyon’s ability to control the game’s tempo. The suspension of Moussa Niakhaté, due to national team commitments, further complicates matters, although his absence might be less impactful given the available defensive options.

Player	Reason for Absence	Games Left	Expected Comeback
Corentin Tolisso	Yellow cards	1	Unknown
Moussa Niakhaté	International duty	1	Unknown

Injuries to Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana add to Lyon’s woes. Both are expected to return in late January, missing this crucial fixture. Nuamah’s dynamism on the wing and Fofana’s presence in the attacking third will be sorely missed. This limits Lyon’s offensive versatility, potentially forcing manager Paulo Fonseca to lean on younger talents such as Afonso Moreira to step up.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ernest Nuamah	Cruciate ligament injury	Late January 2026
Malick Fofana	Ankle injury	Late January 2026

Overall, these absences pose a significant challenge to Lyon’s squad depth, especially in a match against a resilient Brest side. With limited options, the tactical approach might see a more conservative setup, focusing on defensive solidity and exploiting counter-attacking opportunities to mitigate the impact of these unavailable players.

Lyon Key Players

Lyon’s offensive prowess is spearheaded by their top scorer, Pavel Šulc, who has found the net seven times this season. Šulc’s ability to exploit defensive gaps and his sharp finishing make him a constant threat to any opposition. His partnership with Afonso Moreira in the forward line is vital for Lyon, as Moreira’s pace and dribbling skills can create ample opportunities for Šulc to capitalise on.

The midfield holds the key to Lyon’s tactical approach, with Orel Mangala expected to orchestrate play. His vision and passing range allow Lyon to transition smoothly from defence to attack. Khalis Merah offers defensive solidity, ensuring that the team maintains balance during offensive surges. In defence, Nicolás Tagliafico and Ainsley Maitland-Niles provide both experience and stability, crucial for thwarting Brest’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Lyon:

• Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif
• Defenders: Clinton Mata, Ruben Kluivert, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Nicolás Tagliafico
• Midfielders: Abner, Khalis Merah, Tyler Morton, Orel Mangala
• Forwards: Pavel Šulc, Afonso Moreira

Lyon Tactics and Formation

Lyon Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-1-2
• Key Forward: Pavel Šulc
• Midfield Engine: Orel Mangala
• Defensive Setup: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Compact midfield and quick transitions.

Lyon’s 4-3-1-2 formation provides a compact midfield setup, allowing for effective control in the centre of the pitch. Orel Mangala plays a pivotal role, dictating the tempo and linking the defence with attack. The presence of Khalis Merah and Tyler Morton in midfield ensures a balance between defensive stability and creative play.

Defensively, Lyon have shown resilience, achieving three clean sheets in their last five matches. Clinton Mata and Nicolás Tagliafico, as full-backs, offer both defensive solidity and width in attack. Ruben Kluivert and Ainsley Maitland-Niles form the central defensive pairing, crucial to maintaining a strong backline.

Offensively, Pavel Šulc, the team’s top scorer, leads the attack alongside Afonso Moreira. The strategy hinges on quick transitions and exploiting spaces left by the opposition, with Šulc’s finishing ability being pivotal in converting chances.

Brest Analysis & Past Performance

Brest’s recent form has been notably inconsistent, illustrating a mixed bag of results. In their last five Ligue 1 outings, Brest have secured three wins and suffered two defeats, highlighting a win ratio of 60%. Their recent 2-0 victory over Auxerre showcased their capability to maintain defensive solidity, as they managed to keep a clean sheet, one of two in their last five matches.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Brest	Auxerre	2 – 0 (Win)	Ligue 1	4 Jan 2026
Avranches	Brest	N/A	Coupe de France	19 Dec 2025
Rennes	Brest	3 – 1 (Loss)	Ligue 1	13 Dec 2025
Brest	Monaco	1 – 0 (Win)	Ligue 1	5 Dec 2025
Strasbourg	Brest	1 – 2 (Win)	Ligue 1	30 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• W L L W W

Brest have been relatively effective in front of goal, averaging 2.20 goals per match in their last five league fixtures. However, their defensive vulnerabilities are evident, having conceded an average of 2.00 goals per game. Away from home, Brest’s performance drops significantly, winning only one out of their last five away matches, with a win ratio of just 20%. This suggests a stark contrast in their effectiveness based on venue, which could be a crucial factor in their upcoming fixtures.

Brest Suspensions & Injuries

Brest face a couple of challenges with injuries affecting their squad depth as they prepare to take on Lyon. Kenny Lala remains sidelined with a knee injury, expected to return in late January 2026, which limits their options in defence. His absence will likely require Daouda Guindo to step up and maintain stability in the backline. Mama Baldé also poses a concern with a shin injury rendering him doubtful for the upcoming match. His potential absence could weaken Brest’s attacking prowess, necessitating Pathé Mboup to take on a more prominent role in the forward line.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Kenny Lala	Knee injury	Late January 2026
Mama Baldé	Shin injury	Doubtful

The tactical impact of these injuries on Brest could be significant. Without Lala’s defensive capabilities, Brest may need to adopt a more cautious approach to maintain their defensive solidity. In attack, if Baldé is unavailable, Brest might need to rely more on Ludovic Ajorque’s strength and aerial ability to lead the line.

From a betting perspective, these injuries might slightly tilt the odds in favour of Lyon, given the potential disruptions to Brest’s usual tactical setup. Bettors may want to consider Lyon’s home advantage and Brest’s injury concerns when placing their wagers.

Brest Key Players

Romain Del Castillo stands out as Brest’s top scorer with six goals and will be pivotal in their clash against Lyon. His ability to navigate tight spaces and deliver precise passes makes him a critical playmaker in midfield. Del Castillo’s influence extends beyond scoring, as he orchestrates the flow of the game, linking up effectively with forwards Pathé Mboup and Ludovic Ajorque. Ajorque, known for his physical presence and aerial prowess, will be looking to convert chances created by Del Castillo and the dynamic Joris Chotard.

Defensively, Brendan Chardonnet anchors the backline, providing stability and leadership. His partnership with Soumaila Coulibaly is crucial in maintaining Brest’s defensive structure against Lyon’s formidable attack. The tactical impact of these players is profound; Del Castillo’s creativity and Chardonnet’s defensive acumen will be central to Brest’s strategy, as they aim to counter Lyon’s offensive threats while exploiting any defensive frailties.

Expected lineup for Brest:

• Goalkeeper: Grégoire Coudert
• Defence: Luck Zogbé, Brendan Chardonnet, Soumaila Coulibaly, Daouda Guindo
• Midfield: Romain Del Castillo, Joris Chotard, Hugo Magnetti, Rémy Lascary
• Forward: Pathé Mboup, Ludovic Ajorque

Brest Tactics and Formation

Brest Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Ludovic Ajorque
• Midfield Engine: Joris Chotard and Hugo Magnetti
• Defensive Resilience: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on structured defence and quick counters.

Brest’s 4-4-2 formation focuses on maintaining a solid defensive structure while allowing for quick transitions. The midfield duo of Joris Chotard and Hugo Magnetti is pivotal in dictating the tempo, providing defensive cover and distributing play effectively. Romain Del Castillo, their top scorer, adds creativity and goal threat from the wide areas.

Defensively, Brest benefit from the stability provided by Brendan Chardonnet and Soumaila Coulibaly in central defence, supported by full-backs Luck Zogbé and Daouda Guindo. This setup has been instrumental in achieving two clean sheets in recent matches, showcasing their defensive discipline.

Offensively, Brest rely on the prowess of Ludovic Ajorque and Pathé Mboup up front. Their strategy often involves soaking up pressure and launching swift counterattacks, where Ajorque’s physical presence and Mboup’s pace can exploit defensive gaps effectively.

Lyon vs Brest Head-to-Head Record

Lyon and Brest have faced off 19 times, with Lyon holding the edge with seven wins to Brest’s three, alongside nine draws. Their most recent encounter ended in a goalless draw at Brest’s ground in November 2025. In Ligue 1, these teams have a history of close contests, often resulting in tight scorelines.

The last time Lyon hosted Brest, they secured a 2-1 victory in March 2025, showcasing their ability to edge out wins at Groupama Stadium. Historically, Lyon have been stronger at home, and Brest will need to break this pattern to come away with a result.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Brest	Lyon	0 – 0	Ligue 1	2025-11-02
Lyon	Brest	2 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-03-02
Brest	Lyon	2 – 1	Ligue 1	2025-01-11
Lyon	Brest	4 – 3	Ligue 1	2024-04-14
Brest	Lyon	1 – 0	Ligue 1	2023-09-23