Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Ligue 1 match.
Between their Champions League battles with Paris Saint-Germain, Stade Brestois must return to domestic action against an Auxerre side desperate for a win.
Stade Brestois
On Tuesday, Stade Brestois suffered their second heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in a month, losing 0:3 at Stade Francis-Le Blé. Earlier, on 1 February, they were beaten 2:5 in Ligue 1. However, such thrashings have only come against Champions League-level opponents, including Shakhtar Donetsk (0:2) and Real Madrid (0:3). Against domestic rivals, Stade Brestois have been dominant, winning six consecutive Ligue 1 matches, from bottom-half sides like Le Havre (1:0) to European contenders like Olympique Lyonnais (2:1).
Auxerre
Unlike Stade Brestois, Auxerre have no European distractions, yet they have failed to win a single match since the start of winter. Their last victory dates back to 24 November (against Angers in Round 12, 1:0). Since then, they have recorded five draws and five defeats, including a French Cup elimination to Ligue 2 side Dunkerque (0:1). Defensive frailties have also become a major issue, as shown in recent rounds—conceding four to Monaco (2:4) and two to Toulouse (2:2).
Stade Brestois vs Auxerre Prediction
Stade Brestois have netted 21 of their 33 league goals at home and have dominated all Ligue 1 opponents not named Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid. With Auxerre struggling defensively and winless for months, Stade Brestois should be strong favourites to take all three points.
