Éric Roy has been the coach of Stade Brestois 29, PSV's upcoming opponent, since early 2023. Under his leadership, the club finished third in the Ligue 1 McDonald's last year, the highest ranking in club history. This also secured the club's first UEFA Champions League participation. Below is an overview of Roy's selection.
Former Eredivisie goalkeeper Marco Bizot is the regular under the crossbar at the French side. In five UEFA Champions League games, the Dutchman gave up six goals. Three of those were in round five, against FC Barcelona. Also in the national league, Bizot played every game. There he had to fish the ball out of the net twenty-six times in fourteen games.
Defense
In defense, both backs made the most European minutes. Kenny Lala did not miss a minute, but is a doubt for tonight. He trained separately from the group with hamstring problems. Fellow back Massadio Haidara was a substitute in the first game, but played everything after that. Captain Chardonnet was on the bench during the meeting with Red Bull Salzburg, but played everything else. Borussia Dortmund loanee Soumaïla Coulibaly completed the four-man defense in the first matches, but will miss the meeting with PSV due to injury.
Midfield
The block in front of the defense keeps Roy the same in almost every match. Hugo Magnetti and Mahdi Camara are therefore expected to play today as well. Who and it stands in front of them remains to be seen, as Roy is also unable to call on several base players in midfield. Pierre Lees-Melou, Romain Faivre and Jonas Martin are all absent due to physical discomfort. Kamory Doumbia seems to have the best papers at the moment.
Attack
Up front, there is usually room for a trio of attackers: Romain Del Castillo, Abdallah Sima and Mathias Pereira Lage are the flavors on the flanks. Sima in particular stands out, as the Senegalese hired from Brighton & Hove Albion FC has already scored three times this UEFA Champions League season. In the point of attack, Roy can choose from Ludovic Ajorque and Mama Baldé.