Brest vs Auxerre: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — January 4, 2026
On Sunday, January 4th, in the 17th round of French Ligue 1, Brest will host Auxerre on their home turf. Read on for a breakdown of both teams' form and a match prediction.
See also: Le Havre vs Angers prediction and betting tips 04 January 2026
Match preview
Brest comes into this home fixture against Auxerre still searching for balance and consistency in the 2025/26 season, after losing several key players over the summer. After 16 rounds, the "Pirates" have collected just 19 points and currently sit 11th in the table. This season, Brest have been picking up points thanks to a compact, disciplined approach without the ball, minimizing space between the lines and making life difficult for opponents with a sticky, hard-to-break-down style. At home, they tend to play more boldly, pushing the pressing line higher and making more use of the flanks.
In attack, Brest favors simple, direct play. They thrive on second balls and recoveries, frequently loading the box with crosses and set-pieces—still one of their primary sources of threat. However, their transitions from defense to attack aren’t always convincing, making it crucial for the hosts to strike first and dictate the game’s tempo.
Auxerre, meanwhile, remains locked in a relegation fight this season, relying on pragmatic football. In 16 Ligue 1 matches, Pellissier’s side has picked up just 12 points, with three wins to their name. Auxerre rarely looks to dominate possession, preferring to play reactively and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. They often concede the ball, focusing on a tightly packed defense and quick vertical counters—especially down the wings, where they feel most comfortable.
On the road, Auxerre plays cautiously, reluctant to leave gaps at the back and patiently waiting for their chances. This approach keeps them in games even against more organized sides, but conversion remains an issue: the chances they create aren’t always enough to guarantee results.
Probable lineups
Brest: Coudert; Lala, Chardonnet, Coulibaly, Guindo; Chotard, Magnetti; Bourgault, Del Castillo, Mboup; Balde
Auxerre: Leon; Sy, Diomande, Akpa, Oppegard; Matondo, Diousse, Danois; Casimir, Osman, Sinayoko
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last five meetings, Brest has two wins, two draws, and Auxerre has one victory
- Brest has won three of their last five matches, conceding in four of them
- Auxerre has won just one of their last ten matches, suffering seven defeats
Prediction
Both teams are in need of points: Auxerre is fighting for survival, while Brest wants to steer clear of the danger zone. Both sides have defensive frailties, but possess enough attacking quality to convert chances. My prediction: total over (2) at 1.5
