Brest v Lens: top-two push meets mid-table climb | OneFootball

Brest host Lens in Ligue 1 on Friday, 24 April 2026 at Stade Francis-Le Blé, with the visitors defending 2nd place and the hosts aiming to rise from 12th.

Lens won the reverse fixture 3-1 in August and arrive with momentum. Pierre Sage's side have three wins in their last four across competitions, including a 4-1 cup victory over Toulouse and a 3-2 league win against the same opponents. Brest's recent run is mixed, with one win in five league games after a 1-1 draw at Nantes last time out.

Selection could matter. Brest list Bradley Locko and Kamory Doumbia as injured. Lens are without goalkeeper Regis Gurtner and defender Jonathan Gradit, with Robin Risser set to continue in goal.

Routes to goal look contrasting. Brest average 43% possession and have six headed league goals, so deliveries towards Ludovic Ajorque may be a focus, with Romain Del Castillo also a threat after eight league strikes. Lens have scored 57 league goals with 85.22% pass accuracy and 50% possession, and spread their danger. Odsonne Edouard leads them with 12 league goals, Wesley Said has 10, and Florian Thauvin nine, while Adrien Thomasson (eight assists) and Matthieu Udol (seven) supply chances.

A victory would strengthen Lens' grip on the Champions League places and keep pressure on the summit. Three points for Brest could lift them towards the top half and add breathing space from the bottom end.