Brest predicted XI v Barcelona: Pierre Lees-Melou and Soumaïla Coulibaly out, Hugo Magnetti to start

Brest will arguably play the most anticipated game in their recent history as they take on La Liga giants FC Barcelona for Matchday 5 of the revamped Champions League. So far, Eric Roy’s Pirates have defied all odds, logging three wins and a draw in their first-ever European competition. The Brittany side is currently fourth in the Champions League, level on points with Sporting CP, Ligue 1 rivals AS Monaco and Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Unfortunately for Roy, Brest central midfielder and GFFN Ligue 1 Player of the Year Pierre Lees-Melou won’t be available to face Hansi Flick’s Blaugranes after sustaining an injury during Brest’s 3-2 away loss to Monaco on Friday. The former Norwich City player will remain on the sidelines until 2025. In Lees-Melou’s absence, Hugo Magnetti is expected to start at Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium.

With Borussia Dortmund loanee Soumaïla Coulibaly also injured, French centre-back Julien Le Cardinal should get the nod from Roy.

Brest likely line-up v Barcelona

Marcot Bizot – Kenny Lala, Brendan Chardonnet, Julien Le Cardinal, Massadio Haïdara – Mahdi Camara, Edimilson Fernandes, Hugo Magnetti – Abdallah Sima, Ludovic Ajorque, Mama Baldé. (OF)

GFFN | Bastien Cheval