Two of France's Champions League representatives meet at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Ligue 1 on Friday, when Lille host Brest.

Bruno Genesio's men have dealt with the additional requirements needed to battle on two fronts more so than their opponents so far this season, and that is shown by their position in the top four.

Match preview

While Lille find themselves in a strong position both domestically and on the continent, they failed to capitalise on teams around them dropping points last weekend.

Despite leading twice away to bottom-of-the-table Montpellier, Lille were still unable to take all three points, conceding a 93rd-minute equaliser, scored by Arnaud Nordin.

Conceding late on is becoming a problem for Genesio's side, as that was the third time in four games they have dropped two points in stoppage time.

The result kept them fourth for the time being, but saw the sides below them close the gap, while also missing the opportunity to move within a point of both Monaco and Marseille in the top three.

Even amid the disappointment of throwing points away late on, it must be remembered that Lille are now 13 games unbeaten in all competitions, by far the best run of any team in the French top flight.

Their brilliant run in the Champions League has played a big part in that, and after winning 2-1 away at Bologna last midweek, one eye will already be on their clash with Sturm Graz on Wednesday, because a win would almost certainly move them back into the top eight.

In the 36-team standings, Brest are on the same points, but one place higher following a scarcely believable debut season in Europe.

While they find themselves above the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, form in Ligue 1 has been no match, but their win last weekend means they have now tasted victory in four of their five games immediately after a European clash this season.

That success came against Strasbourg, with Eric Roy's side well worth their 3-1 win, ending a three-game losing run both in all competitions and in Ligue 1.

Brest remain in the bottom half, but the result moved them further away from trouble, opening up a four-point gap to the drop zone - the same distance they are away from the European places.

Backing it up will be tough though, considering they have not won back-to-back league games since April, and manager Roy has never beaten Lille before in seven previous attempts.

Despite finishing above them last season, Brest only managed to collect one point from their two meetings, extending a worrying run of form in this fixture to three wins in 15 since 2000.

Team News

Lille will be without defender Mitchel Bakker after he was sent off during the fracas that ensued in the latter stages of their draw with Montpellier last week, clashing with Tanguy Coulibaly, resulting in both players being dismissed.

Angel Gomes is the other big absentee at present, as he continues to recover from a calf injury, while fellow midfielders Nabil Bentaleb and Ethan Mbappe remain out long term.

In defence, Tiago Santos will miss a lengthy period after an ACL tear, while veteran Samuel Umtiti is also sidelined with a knee issue.

Jonas Martin was a last-minute casualty for Brest ahead of their clash with Strasbourg last week, pulling out of the squad late in the week with a muscular problem.

Martin joined Pierre Lees-Melou, whose calf injury will keep him out until the new year, on the treatment table, alongside Soumaila Coulibaly and Bradley Locko.

Lille possible starting lineup:
Chevalier; Meunier, Diakite, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson; Andre, Bouaddi; Zhegrova, Mukau, Cabella; David

Brest possible starting lineup:
Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Le Cardinal, Haidara; Camara, Fernandes, Magnetti; Del Castillo, Ajorque, Sima

We say: Lille 1-0 Brest

Not even Europe's finest have been able to beat Lille over the past three months, and they should be able to keep that run going against a Brest side who have flattered to deceive domestically, despite heroics in Europe.

Both clubs may have one eye on their Champions League fixtures next week, but should still both name strong sides in what could be a close encounter.


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