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

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