Brest vs Toulouse Predictions

Brest came second last year in Ligue 1 to secure their promotion to the top division for the first time since the 2012/13 season. It has been a lengthy hiatus for les Ty-Zefs but they will be determined to follow in the suit of last year’s promoted teams Reims and Nîmes who achieved top half finishes despite being tipped for the drop. 

Brest scored a fairly respectable number of goals for a promoted team last season with 64 hitting the back of the net but it was their defensive solidity the won them points. They only conceded 35 times but have lost a big part of that defensive success already. 32-year-old Anthony Weber was a stalwart of their back four last season and with him and left-back Quentin Bernard both leaving the club, they could struggle inside their own box. 21-year-old Romain Perraud has signed to replace Bernard and he could be a very good signing following a stellar season with Paris in Ligue 2. Denys Bain also signed from Ligue 2 but Brest could struggle without that defensive familiarity that they put together last season. 

However, in general they have been very tight so far, judging by their pre-season performances. They kept two clean sheets in their five friendlies with wins coming over Lorient (2-1), Guingamp (2-1) Rennes (1-0) and Nantes (1-0). They also drew 1-1 with Levante which topped off a great summer of results. They looked very impressive in these matches with the wins over Ligue 1 opposition hinting a potentially fruitful year for the league’s new boys. 

Toulouse won’t just roll over to welcome in Brest though as Alain Casanova’s men have their own goals with a desire to avoid a relegation battle at the top of the list. Their last two years have been rather shaky with the drop threatening them on both occasions but they have enjoyed their second most expensive transfer window ever which really signals their goals this season. 

They have greatly bolstered their rather tame front line with the additions of Wesley Saïd and Efthymios Koulouris. Saïd was the sole bright spark in a very dim Dijon side last year while Koulouris comes in off the back of a 19 goal stint at Atromitos in the Greek Super League. These signings should aid their attacking efforts as they only scored 35 goals last season. Agustín Rogel, William Vainqueur and Jean-Victor Makengo also look like solid signings that should improve their defence. 

Toulouse had a mixed pre-season with wins over Ajaccio (1-0) and Al Arabi (3-2) being overshadowed by some poor losses at the hands of Norwich (0-1) and Strasbourg (1-3). It definitely isn’t the worst of summers though as it looks like the team seems to be on some sort of track for progress. Last year’s 16th place finish wasn’t good enough and it looks like they have the necessary tools to go beyond that this time round. 

Brest were outstanding at home last season and that could be a big part of their success this season. They have won 13 of their last 17 competitive home games with just the one loss in that time. For comparison, Toulouse have lost seven and drawn two of their last nine Ligue 1 away games and les Violets could really struggle as they travel to a packed Stade Francis-Le Blé. Toulouse were alright over the summer but Brest are sure to be right up for this game so we’re going to tip in favour of the hosts. Brest beat three members of last year’s Ligue 1 over the break and that should stand them in good stead ahead of this game. Toulouse have strengthened in attack but ultimately we’re going to back the hosts to win 2-1.