Two of the seven teams that boast a 100% record after two rounds of action in this season’s Champions League go up against each other on Wednesday evening, as Brest face Bayer Leverkusen at the Stade Francis-Le Ble.
Brest announced their arrival at Europe's top table by defeating Sturm Graz 2-1 on matchday one before producing a stunning performance when romping to a 4-0 win over RB Salzburg in Austria.
Domestically, Eric Roy’s side have had an up and down start to the season in Ligue 1, where they currently sit 11th after drawing 1-1 with Rennes on Saturday.
Back on continental duty this midweek, the Pirates can expect their toughest test to date when Bayer Leverkusen come calling.
Xabi Alonso's side also have six points on the board after beating Feyenoord 4-0 and then subsequently squeezing past AC Milan 1-0 on matchday two.
Following back-to-back draws, the Bundesliga champions got their title defence back on track with a 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend.
How the bookies view it: Light work for Leverkusen
Despite winning their opening two games of the competition, Brest are big outsiders at 11/2 on Betano, while an all square affair at the Stade Francis-Le Ble can be backed at 7/2 with the same bookmaker.
Bayer Leverkusen are odds-on 1/2 favourites with William Hill to make it three wins on the bounce in this season’s Champions League.
Head to head: History book blank
Brest and Bayer Leverkusen will do battle for the first time ever on Wednesday evening. Leverkusen last came up against French opposition in the now-defunct Europa League group stage, beating Nice both home and away.
Players to watch: Wirtz to put Pirates to the sword?
Florian Wirtz netted twice during Bayer Leverkusen’s aforementioned 4-0 win over Feyenoord. The German ace is 5/2 (Bet 365) to fire in France, though the 20/21 (Bet 365) for a goal or an assist looks the shrewder option of the two.
Abdallah Sima has struck three times across Brest's opening two Champions League successes. The former Rangers loanee is as big as 15/4 on Bet 365 to breach Bayer Leverkusen's backline this midweek.
Predicted line-ups
Brest will be without the injured Bradley Locko, however they will welcome back fellow defender Massadio Haidara who missed out against Rennes on Saturday due to suspension.
The aforementioned Wirtz was only fit enough to start on the bench at the weekend but he is expected to come back into the Bayer Leverkusen side this midweek.
Brest: Bizot; Lala, Coulibaly, Chardonnet, Amavi; Magnetti, Fernandes, Camara; Del Castillo, Ajorque, Sima
Bayer Leverkusen: Kovar; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Terrier, Wirtz; Boniface
Anything else catch the eye?
Bayer Leverkusen are too short to support at the above-mentioned price but adding in over 2.5 goals will bolster the odds up to an eye-catching even-money (1/1) on Bet 365.
Five of Leverkusen's seven wins across all competitions this season have featured three or more match strikes.
What’s more, Alonso’s side have also found clean sheets hard to come by this season, so multiple goals may be needed if they are to bank maximum points in Brittany.
This UEFA Champions League match between Brest and Bayer Leverkusen will be played on Oct 23, 2024 and kick off at 17:45. Check below for our tipsters best Brest vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
