Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Ligue 1 match.
The hosts picked up their first win of the season against Le Havre and will look to build on that at home. Stade Brestois followed a 3:3 draw with LOSC Lille with a 0:2 defeat to Toulouse. Everything here points to an advantage for RC Lens, who look the more composed and assured outfit.
RC Lens
RC Lens opened with a 0:1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais, although they had the better of the play: more possession, more chances created, but their finishing let them down. In round two the squad made amends, beating Le Havre (2:1) away. Over the last 10 matches Lens have five wins, one draw and four defeats. At home they have three victories in their past six. In head-to-head meetings with Stade Brestois the balance is also in their favour: three consecutive wins. The key strengths are control in midfield and quick transitions.
Stade Brestois 29
Stade Brestois began with a 3:3 draw with LOSC Lille, showing attacking intent. They then lost 0:2 to Toulouse, failing to create a single clear chance. Across their last 10 matches Stade Brestois have four wins, two draws and four defeats. Away from home the statistics are weak — only three positive results in the last 10 on the road. Although the club secured European football last season, they are clearly searching for balance and are not yet fully settled.
RC Lens vs Stade Brestois 29 Prediction
RC Lens look the more assured and pragmatic, while Stade Brestois rarely reach the required level away against teams from the top half of the standings. Head-to-head meetings in recent years also favour the hosts. Taking form and home advantage into account, we fancy Lens to take all three points.
