Le Havre Vs Brest

Le Havre will be hoping to break a seven-match winless streak across all competitions when they take on Brest in a Ligue 1 showdown this Sunday at Stade Oceane. The Normandy-based club earned a 1-1 draw with Reims last weekend, marking a small improvement in their recent form. However, despite the point, Le Havre remained in the relegation zone, sitting in 17th place. On the other hand, Brest moved up to ninth position in the league standings, boosted by a 2-1 victory over Rennes.

The previous draw against Reims, although not enough to lift Le Havre out of their precarious position, provided a much-needed morale boost for manager Didier Digard and his squad. This result ended a dismal six-match losing streak across all competitions, which had been plaguing the team for weeks. Despite earning a point, the draw did little to alleviate the club’s relegation concerns, as they remain four points below the safety line as they approach matchday 19 of the season.

This season has been challenging for Le Havre, who have only won a small fraction of their Ligue 1 matches. With 13 losses in 18 games, their defeat rate stands at 72%, one of the highest in the top five European leagues, only bettered by Southampton in the Premier League. The team’s poor form has been particularly evident at home, where they have suffered seven defeats in nine league matches at Stade Oceane. Should they lose on Sunday, they will have endured eight home defeats in 10 league games, matching their worst home run in recent years, which occurred during the 2008-09 season.

One of the key issues for Le Havre has been their inability to score goals. With just 14 goals in the league, they have the worst attacking record in Ligue 1. However, there has been a slight improvement in recent weeks, as the team has managed to score in their last three matches. Despite this modest progress, their offensive struggles remain a significant hindrance to any aspirations of avoiding relegation.

If Le Havre fail to secure all three points against Brest, they will extend their winless streak in Ligue 1 to seven matches, surpassing their longest stretch without a victory last season, which was six matches. Such a result would be a further blow to their hopes of survival, as their form has shown little sign of improving.

In contrast, Brest have experienced a more positive turn of events since the start of 2025. The team’s campaign began with strong performances in European competitions, particularly in the Champions League, but their Ligue 1 form was inconsistent in the first half of the season. However, since the turn of the year, Brest have found their rhythm domestically, winning their last two Ligue 1 matches. This upturn in form has helped them climb into the top half of the league standings, with a current position of ninth.

While Brest were eliminated from European competition following a 2-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League earlier this week, their domestic form is certainly worth noting. They have managed to win five of their last six competitive matches against French opposition, with their only defeat during this period being a 1-0 loss to Angers earlier this month. This resurgence in Ligue 1 has been impressive, as four of their last six league matches have ended in victories, matching the total number of wins they had in their first 12 matches of the season.

This Sunday, Brest will be looking to claim consecutive away victories in Ligue 1 for the first time this season. Although they have struggled away from home in the 2024-25 campaign, collecting just six points from their matches outside of Stade Francis-Le Ble, their recent form has shown that they are capable of securing results on the road. A win over Le Havre would mark a significant step forward for the team, as they look to consolidate their position in the top half of the league table.

Historically, Brest have enjoyed a strong record against Le Havre in Ligue 1. They have won 67% of their previous encounters with the Normandy side, securing six victories in nine matches. In recent visits to Stade Oceane, Brest have been particularly dominant, posting consecutive clean sheets and winning 2-1 during their last visit in 2023. With this strong head-to-head record, Brest will be confident heading into the match, knowing that they have had the upper hand in recent meetings.

Despite their positive run, Brest will still have to contend with the challenge of playing away from home, where their performances have not always been convincing. However, the team’s current form and their strong record against Le Havre will give them confidence that they can continue their good run and secure a vital three points in their bid to finish the season in a strong position.

As both teams prepare for this crucial Ligue 1 encounter, the contrasting form of Le Havre and Brest will be a key factor in determining the outcome. Le Havre are desperate for a victory to keep their survival hopes alive, while Brest will be eager to extend their strong recent form and move further up the league table. With both teams having something significant to play for, this match promises to be a hard-fought contest.

In conclusion, while Le Havre have struggled throughout the season, especially at home, they will be hoping that their recent draw against Reims can provide the spark they need to turn their fortunes around. On the other hand, Brest are in a much better place, having found their form in recent weeks and looking to extend their winning streak. The match at Stade Oceane will be a critical one for both sides, and the outcome could have a significant impact on their respective aspirations for the remainder of the season.