Auxerre are expected to line up in Will Still's usual 4-3-3, with Diop in goal behind a back four that could feature new signing Axel Tuanzebe, who made his first appearance against Nice and played the full match. The midfield three will look to press aggressively and spring Archer in behind. The concern is the injury list: Assane Diousse likely out with a knee problem, Marvin Senaya nursing a sore hamstring, Sekou Fofana dealing with a groin strain and Bryan Okoh recovering from a cruciate ligament tear. That's a lot of absentees in the engine room, and it could force Still into a more conservative midfield shape than he'd like.

Brest are expected to set up in their 4-2-3-1, with Egil Selvik in goal and a back line likely featuring Kenny Lala, Gautier Lloris, Raphael Le Guen and Bradley Locko. The double pivot of Joris Chotard and Hugo Magnetti — who wore the armband against PSG after returning from a hamstring problem — gives them a solid platform. Kamory Doumbia and Giovani Versini will look to feed Ludovic Ajorque, a genuine handful in the air and a focal point for the counter. But the defensive picture is unsettled: captain Brendan Chardonnet has been sidelined since the summer with a calf issue, and with Romain Cagnon and Mama Balde dealing with knocks, Le Guen and Lloris are likely to continue together in central defence. That's a partnership still building chemistry, and Archer will fancy his chances running at them.