1. Main Players Comparison
RC Lens
- Core: Adrien Thomasson (31, CM versatile, 31 apps, 3G/7A – key link-up), Facundo Medina (26, CB/LB, 29 apps – defensive organizer, now departed), Jonathan Gradit (32, CB/RB, 24 apps – experienced stability).
- Midfield: Andy Diouf (22, CM, 27 apps, 1G/2A), Neil El Aynaoui (23, DM, 17 apps, 8G – standout scorer from deep).
- Attack: M’Bala Nzola (28, CF, 6G/1A), Anass Zaroury (24, AM, 2G/2A), Florian Sotoca (34, 1G/1A but vital leadership).
- Output: Attack supported by midfield goals (El Aynaoui), but forward line inconsistent.
- Stability: Losses of Medina, Nzola, Zaroury and Frankowski (departed) hurt structure; reliance on Thauvin for creative edge.
Stade Brestois
- Core: Marco Bizot (34, GK, 32 apps – left, experience void), Kenny Lala (33, RB/RWB, 29 apps, 3G/2A), Brendan Chardonnet (30, CB, 27 apps – defensive leader).
- Midfield: Mahdi Camara (26, CM, 5G/3A, energy box-to-box), Pierre Lees-Melou (32, CM, 2G/2A, playmaking anchor), Hugo Magnetti (27, DM, 27 apps – screening presence).
- Attack: Ludovic Ajorque (31, CF, 13G/2A – focal scorer), Mathias Pereira Lage (28, AM, 2G/7A – creative support).
- Output: Stronger balance in midfield creativity and Ajorque as a reliable finisher.
- Stability: Departures of several midfield/defense players reduce depth, but core spine remains intact.
2. New Players Comparison
RC Lens
- Samson Baidoo (21, CB, young defensive option).
- Jeremy Agbonifo (19, FW, 1G cameo role).
- Matthieu Udol (29, LB, experienced cover).
- Saud Abdulhamid (25, CB, versatile defender).
- Florian Thauvin (32, AM, 8G/3A – major attacking boost).
- Value: Thauvin provides immediate attacking class, Udol shores up defense, Baidoo a long-term CB.
Stade Brestois
- Junior Diaz (21, CB, prospect).
- Axel Camblan (21, CM, depth).
- Hianga’a Mbock (25, DM, backup).
- Abdallah Sima (23, AM/FW, 7G/2A – dynamic forward).
- Value: Sima strengthens attack significantly, but otherwise mostly developmental or rotation signings.
3. Substitutes Comparison
RC Lens
- Sub depth: Brice Samba (GK rotation, 15 apps), Kevin Danso (26, CB, 12 apps – stabilizer), Wesley Saïd (30, FW, 3G), Goduine Koyalipou (25, FW, 4G).
- Impact: Saïd and Koyalipou provide attacking firepower from the bench.
- Sub potential: ~8–10 goals from rotation players.
Stade Brestois
- Sub depth: Romain Del Castillo (29, AM/FW, 6G/4A – strong impact), Mama Baldé (29, versatile, 2G/3A), Romain Faivre (26, 3G/2A).
- Impact: Bench offers significant creativity (Del Castillo, Faivre) and versatility in attack.
- Sub potential: ~10–12 goals, high assist potential.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | RC Lens Rating | Stade Brestois Rating |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐ (Strong midfield scorers, but attack & defense weakened by exits) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Ajorque reliable, midfield balance solid) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Thauvin standout, Udol defensive value) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Sima excellent addition, others developmental) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐ (Bench offers goals via Saïd/Koyalipou) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Del Castillo, Faivre, Baldé provide strong creative depth) |
Overall Depth | Weakened defense, reliant on Thauvin for attack | Balanced with strong bench creativity and scoring |
Key Weakness | Loss of Medina, Nzola, Zaroury reduces spine | Departure of Bizot and multiple squad players reduces stability |
5. Injuries & Suspensions (with impact)
RC Lens
- Jhoanner Chavez – Ankle injury (out until early Sept 2025, weakens LB depth).
- Martin Satriano – Foot injury (out until early Sept 2025, reduces striker rotation).
Stade Brestois
- No key first-team injuries listed at present.
Impact: Lens lose LB reinforcement and backup striker options, while Brest enter with a fresher squad.
6. Predicted Outcome
- RC Lens: Squad weakened by departures, relying on Thauvin and El Aynaoui’s goals from midfield. Depth shaky in defense.
- Stade Brestois: Solid attacking presence with Ajorque, supplemented by Del Castillo and Sima. Midfield retains balance.
Likely Result: RC Lens 1 – 2 Stade Brestois
