Reims vs Brest prediction: FRANCE: Ligue 1 betting tips on match 2023-04-08 13:00.
The race for the European places in Ligue 1 continues to intensify, and Reims are determined to be a part of it after returning to winning ways against Nantes. That 3-0 victory was the perfect response to their first league defeat since September, and their only such loss under Will Still, who has overseen a remarkable transformation in their fortunes.
Reims have lost just one of their last 21 league games (W10, D10), while more recently conceding in just one of their last eight such matches (W5, D2 when keeping a clean sheet). That solid rearguard has underpinned their incredible season, with only title-challenging Lens and Nice conceding fewer Ligue 1 goals, while no side in the division has kept more clean sheets (13) across the campaign.
That presents quite the challenge for visiting Brest, who are fighting for their top-flight lives in a hotly-contested relegation battle. Just one point separated the Pirates from the drop zone ahead of this round after a 3-1 win over Toulouse, and they will make the journey in good form, with league leaders Paris Saint-Germain the only side to beat them in their last four matches (W2, D1).
That purple patch has raised hopes of avoiding the drop, with Brest now just nine points away from the 36 points that was enough to finish 16th last season. With four teams being cut in 2022/23 ahead of a drop to an 18-club league next season, the battle for survival will be intense throughout. Achieving survival could depend on improving on the road, where Éric Roy’s men have won just one of their last eight away league games (D3, L4).
Players to watch: While opposition focus may be on free-scoring Folarin Balogun, Alexis Flips has been instrumental for Reims of late, directly contributing to five goals in his last seven matches (G2, A3). Also in top form is Brest’s Romain Del Castillo, who has shaken off injury woes by having a hand in four goals across his last three games (G1, A3).
Hot stat: Reims have scored the first goal in ten of their 14 Ligue 1 home games.