Our prediction for this Ligue 1 match:
Nice play host to Brest at their Allianz Riviera on day 14 of the new Ligue 1 campaign. Les Aiglons came from behind to beat Lorient on the road in their last league match, and the bookies see them as favourites to beat les Pirates as well. Both Marcin Bulka and Andy Delort are sidelined with injuries, while Sofiane Diop is a major doubt, and he will be assessed ahead of the kick-off.
Brest, on the other hand, head into Sunday’s clash following a goalless draw with Reims. Brest, though, conceded 11 goals in total in the last four meetings with Nice at Allianz Riviera, which is probably the main reason why home win should be considered. Islam Slimani is banned for the match, while fellow forward Steve Mounie remains in the recovery room. Defender Jere Uronen has yet to overcome a muscle problem.
Highlighted Player (Nicolas Pépé):
Born in France to parents of Ivorian descent, Nicolas Pepe became a full Ivory Coast international in 2016. In a symbolic twist of events, Pepe was handed his Ivory Coast debut in a goalless draw against his birth nation France days after receiving his first-ever call-up.
Pepe began his career in the lower leagues in Poitiers in 2012, before moving to Angers a year later. Having proven his qualities in the second-string side, Pepe was instated in Angers’ first team in 2013. Four years later – which included a season-long loan spell at Orleans – Nicolas Pepe was transferred to Lille. Les Dogues beat several sides to the signature of this pacey winger who is no stranger to scoring goals. Quick with his feet, Pepe can be deployed on the right wing and as a centre-forward.
The Ivory Coast international is unpredictable in his movement and not easy to keep an eye on, especially because of his powerful left foot.
Highlighted Team (Brest):
Founded in 1950, Brest (Stade Brestois) are a French football club that compete in the Ligue 1. La Team Pirate welcome their opponents at Stade Francis-Le Ble, the venue which was opened back in 1922. The capacity of the stadium is 15,931, but on August 8, 1986 21,619 watched the game between Brest and Olympique Marseille.
The club’s home colours are red and white, with the team wearing black kit when playing on the travels. Brest’s third kit is white. La Team Pirate, who made it to the French Cup on two occasions (1982/83 and 2014/15), have rivalries with fellow clubs from Bretagne: Rennes, Lorient, Nantes, Guingamp and Vannes.
The likes of Bernard Lama Stephane Guivarch, Paul le Guen, David Ginola and Frank Ribbery are the most notable footballers who played for the club. Bayern Munchen legend Frank Ribery scored 3 goals in 35 appearances for Brest in the national championship.