Preview: Breton derby action as Brest face-off Rennes

Brest face Rennes at Stade francis le blé in the first breton derby of the season.

Stade Rennais make the 2hr 40 trip down the E50 from the capital of Brittany to face a Brest side that has been proudly flying the Breton flag in Europe this season. Stade Francis Le Blé plays host to the first top-flight "Derby de Bretagne" of the season.

Despite a mixed start to the season, Les Pirates of Brest have managed to translate their Champions League form into decent Ligue 1 form this season, having won four out of their last six matches in all competitions. Rennes on the other hand, are looking to get back on track after consecutive defeats against Monaco  (3-1) and Paris Saint-Germain (2-1) after a draw against RC Lens (1-1).

The previous clash between these two sides saw some sensational goal-scoring action, as Les Brestois won 5-4 away to Rennes at Roazhon Park to all-but confirm qualification for European football for the very first time in the club's history.

WATCH: Brest stun Rennes in NINE goal derby thriller

Eric Roy happy with Brest's European balancing act

"It's been good to be able to field a competitive team in almost every game with the squad we had - even if there was a big blip against Auxerre (0-3)," Brest manager Eric Roy gleefully spoke during his pre-match press conference. "We got off to a poor start in the league but that was mainly due to a problem with the squad and the quantity and quality of players at the time."

"That gives me a lot of confidence, even if it never guarantees us anything, especially as we know that the level will increase in these Champions League matches. But overall, the team responded quite well to what was presented to us."

Julien Stéphan: "This is a very good match to assess where we're at." 

"We'll be playing a team that's very good at direct play, attacking the box and being able to apply pressure with this type of play," said Rennes manager Julien Stéphan during his pre-match press conference on Friday. "I think a run of two consecutive positive games could really get something going."

"Brest do what they do well. They've got size up there, they've got power, they've got midfielders who are strong on the second ball and who can build on that. They have their own style, and they're very good at it."

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