The preview: Paris-Brest

THE contexte

Following their 4-1 win over US Orléans in the last round, Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to continue their Coupe de France run. Big winners over US Revel (0-9) in January, they have scored 13 times in two ties so far. Kylian Mbappé leads the way as the competition's top scorer on five goals. 

Stade Brestois 29 are coming off a 2-1 win over Trélissac-Antonne Périgord Football Club having defeated Ligue 2 leaders Angers (1-0) in the previous round. Martin Satriano scored the game-winning goal on both occasions, and the Uruguay international forward will no doubt be aiming to make it three at the Parc des Princes.

THE NUMBERS

Paris Saint-Germain have great home form in the competition to rely on as they look to reach the last eight. They have not lost a Coupe de France tie at home since January 2014, racking up 15 wins and a draw since. They have kept clean sheets in each of the last seven ties. Paris are unbeaten in 27 competitive games against Brest (19 wins, 8 draws), last losing to the Breton outfit almost 40 years ago. Kylian Mbappé has 14 goal involvements in his last three Coupe de France ties, scoring 10 goals himself. 

Stade Brestois 29 have only reached the quarter-finals once in the last 40 years - in 2015 - when they defeated then-Ligue 1 side Metz on penalties to reach the quarter-finals as a Ligue 2 side. In their last Last 16 tie, they were beaten 2-0 at Nantes. They are, however, on a 11-game unbeaten run (8 wins) in all competitions, and with seven clean sheets in that streak, they will make life difficult for our Rouge-et-Bleu.

OPPOSITION STRENGTH

Éric Roy sets his side up primarily in a 4-3-3. Marco Bizot is the number one choice in goal, but it is the Netherlands international's back-up, Grégoire Coudert, who has started the cup ties so far. On the right, Kenny Lala has played every minute this season, while Brendan Chardonnet and Lilian Brassier are usually in the middle, though Julien Le Cardinal's return means he could get some time on the pitch.

On the left, Jordan Amavi is still sidelined, which means France U21 international Bradley Lock could start once again. Pierre Lees-Melou is key in midfield, and though Hugo Magnetti and Mahdi Camara, who scored at the Parc des Princes 8 days ago, are usually alongside him, Jonas Martin may slot into the centre of the park.  Still with Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations, Kamory Doumbia will again miss this fixture.

Romain Del Castillo (5 goals, 4 assists) is the most likely option for the right side of the attack. Jérémy Le Douaron (4 goals, 1 assist) has often featured on the opposite flank, but did not start his team's last match due to a thigh problem. If he isn't available, Mathias Pereira Lage (3 goals) would be his likely replacement. Through the middle, either Steve Mounié (3 goals, 3 assists) or Martín Satriano (3 goals, 2 assists) will lead the line, with the latter's recent performance at the Parc giving him the advantage in that race.