Auxerre are expected to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1 under Will Still. The double pivot of Kévin Danois and Arthur Piedfort will look to screen the back four and disrupt Brest's rhythm. Cameron Archer leads the line, and with two goals already this campaign, he is the focal point. The wide areas will be key: Danny Namaso and Rémy Labeau-Lascary offer pace and directness, while Fredrik Oppegard and Lamine Sy push on from full-back. Auxerre will likely press high and try to force turnovers in Brest's half, using the energy of the home crowd.

Brest are predicted to set up in a 4-3-3, with Egil Selvik in goal and a back four of Kenny Lala, Gautier Lloris, Raphael Le Guen and Bradley Locko. The absence of captain Brendan Chardonnet, sidelined since the summer, means Le Guen and Lloris continue their partnership in central defence. That is a vulnerability Auxerre will look to exploit. In midfield, Joris Chotard, Hugo Magnetti and Giovani Versini will aim to control possession, while the front three of Kamory Doumbia, Pathé Mboup and Ludovic Ajorque carry the attacking threat. Ajorque is a handful in the air, and Brest will look to him for hold-up play and set-piece danger.

The game state will likely see Auxerre start on the front foot, pressing aggressively. Brest will try to absorb and counter through Doumbia and Mboup. The midfield dogfight between Danois, Piedfort and Brest's trio will decide who dictates tempo. Auxerre's set-piece threat, with Tuanzebe and Akpa in the box, is a real weapon. Brest must be wary of giving away cheap fouls in wide areas.