It is well known, appearances are sometimes deceptive. And the adage is confirmed before the derby of the 13th day of Ligue 1 between Lorient and Brest, set this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Moustoir stadium. Because the meeting is paradoxical in many ways.
The spirals seem to be reversing
Yes, it is the FCL which is ahead, in the standings, 13th, with six points more than Stade Brestois, 18th and play-off. A significant mattress in the maintenance race. And yet, the dynamics of the moment do not really say the same thing. Because the spirals at the start of the season seem to be reversing.
Lorient is stalling
After starting the season on the ground, being particularly intractable at home against the big names (Monaco, Lille and Nice) and rather good on the road with interesting draws (in Lens and Lyon in particular), FC Lorient is not making much progress since five games, including two defeats, and gradually downgraded in the standings. The Merlus mark time, the results are no longer there, among others at home against teams a priori within their reach (Clermont, Bordeaux). And absences are piling up because of injuries or suspensions in turn (Abergel, Lemoine then Laporte this Sunday).
Brest puts himself at the place
the Stade Brestois seems to be putting pressure on him after a catastrophic start to the season. There was this series of eleven games without success including five defeats, and a lot of inconstancy, before the click. It was in Lille, two weeks ago, and this draw obtained from an irregular champion of France. Then this confirmation against Monaco, last Sunday, for the first victory of the Ty Zefs season. Out of relegation places, here they are reinvigorated and completely relaunched in the race to maintain. With a better controlled tactical plan and a more oiled and welded collective.
Captains on the flank, central defenses decimated
In addition to these observations, this derby will also be marked by absences. With two ships without their usual captain, and defenses without their leader. In Lorient, the captain and old middle man, Fabien Lemoine, is forfeited due to a calf. He is absent from the group communicated this Saturday.
In Brest, the captain and boss of the defense, Brendan Chardonnet, was injured in an adductor muscle. These two leaders will be missed in each of the two camps, both on a tightrope behind. Since Julien Laporte, suspended, and Moritz Jenz, injured, both indisputable holders, are missing FCL in a central defense with three elements which remains on four goals conceded in Strasbourg.
Hérelle in the group
At the Stade Brestois, in addition to the indebted Chardonnet, Christophe Hérelle, who has returned for two games, relapsed during the victory against Monaco last Sunday. Hit in one foot, he again cut short training this Saturday. But it is nevertheless well in the Brest group unveiled this Saturday. Should this be seen as an explanation when another central defender, Denys Bain, is also missing? Like that of Lorient, the Brest central defense is in any case in the hard.
Grbic’s time?
The Hakes will also have to deal with a faltering attack, with the absences of Laurienté (psoas) and Diarra (thigh). So it could be Adrian Grbic’s time. The Austrian striker, snatched by FC Lorient from the transfer window when he initially left for Stade Brestois more than a year ago, and generally disappointing, will be the center of attention.
27 years later, the Moustoir falters
While Lorient has not lost for eleven home games, the Moustoir falters for the arrival of Brest whose last success in Morbihan, in official competition, dates back to October 15, 1994. More than 27 years ago.