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UCL Preview: Upstarts Brest look to keep strong form going in Prague

Back in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow, where they've impressed with seven points from their first three matches Stade Brestois and manager Éric Roy will look to keep their strong start in Europe going on the road against Sparta Prague.
E. DEVIN
Published on 11/06/2024 at 02:00
2-minute read
Éric Roy will expect a response from his side in Europe

A Key absence for Brest

After beating Sturm Graz and RB Salzburg on the first two matchdays, Brest could only draw in the last round against Bayer Leverkusen, but will approach this match with renewed determination according to Roy, with the club hungry for more success, saying, "We can consider that our journey is already somewhat successful. Many did not see us with zero points but in great difficulty, having difficulty existing in this Champions League. Our appetite comes with eating, we will keep this up, this desire to continue to perform."

To get one over on the hosts, though, Roy will have to make do without the talents of Abdallah Sima, who has scored three times in the competition, but misses out here with a nagging hamstring issue. Mama Baldé is likely to start in his place, though, meaning that the dropoff, especially with Pierre Lees-Melou back in the fold, is unlikely to be too severe.

Sparta under the cosh

As for their Czech opponents, the wheels seem to be coming off for them at the worst possible time. In Europe, they picked up four points from their first two league phase matches, at home to RB Salzburg (3-0) and away at Stuttgart (1-1), but were overwhelmed at Manchester City in their third, losing 5-0. Domestically, after a blistering start to their campaign, they have lost four of five matches, putting considerable pressure on manager Lars Friis.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, the Danish manager underscored the importance of this match in his side's hopes of progression, saying, "Every game is crucial now. We played well in our opening Champions League fixtures, but Man City was a different story. We believe that we will not be under such pressure against Brest so this is a good opportunity for us to rise." 

More importantly, though, Friis will have to make do without several key attackers in the form of Ermal Krasniqi, Lukáš Haraslín and former Toulouse FC playmaker Veljko Birmančević. Their absences could see him pick a team bereft of much attacking threat, which may play into the hands of the visitors.

Predicted lineups:

Sparta Prague (3-4-3): Vindahl; Vitik, Panak, Sorenson; Wiesner, Solbakken, Kairinen, Rynes; Laci, Olatunji, Danek

Stade Brestois (4-3-3): Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Le Cardinal (or Coulibaly), Haïdara; Camara, Lees-Melou, Magnetti; Del Castillo, Ajorque, Baldé

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