Brest vs Real Madrid: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Real Madrid finish their Champions League league phase away from home as they take on surprise-package Brest on Wednesday night.

The holders certainly haven't had it all their own way in the competition so far, tasting defeat to Lille, Liverpool and Milan to leave their qualifying status in doubt heading into the final two matchdays. However. Madrid booked their place in the knockout play-off round by virtue of a 5-1 victory over RB Salzburg last week.

They have little to no chance of finishing in the top eight, though, so will be forced to play two extra games next month in a bid to reach the round of 16.

While Madrid have underperformed, Brest have exceeded expectations and some on their maiden Champions League voyage. Defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk on Matchday 7 refused to dampen spirits with their place in the next stage already secure. The Ligue 1 side sit three places above Madrid in the table having picked up a point more.

Opta's supercomputer suggests they have a better chance than Madrid to finish in the top eight, but Brest will likely join the holders in the play-offs.

Here is 90min's guide to Brest vs Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Brest vs Real Madrid head-to-head record

This is the first competitive fixture between Brest and Real Madrid.

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Brest vs Real Madrid on TV - UK & US

Brest team news

Eric Roy's Brest have enjoyed a memorable campaign thus far / JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/GettyImages

The highly-regarded Bradley Locko will miss Madrid's visit with a leg injury, while Jordan Amavi and Karamoko Dembele are unlikely to feature as a result of respective thigh and muscle issues.

Julien Le Cardinal, Massadio Haidara, and Jonas Martin are all set for returns next month.

There are also concerns surrounding the injury status of Mama Balde after he was forced off in Brest's win over Le Havre at the weekend.

Brest predicted lineup vs Real Madrid

Brest predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Lala, Chardonnet, Coulibaly, Pereira Lage; Fernandes, Magnetti; Sima, Camara, Del Castillo; Ajorque.

Real Madrid team news

David Alaba has featured off the bench in recent outings / Diego Souto/GettyImages

Vinicius Junior is suspended for Wednesday's game after he picked up his third yellow card of the competition last week against RB Salzburg. Thus, Ancelotti could line up with the same starting front four from Saturday's victory at Valladolid.

Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are long-term absentees, while Eduardo Camavinga is expected to be back next month. The Frenchman's currently nursing a hamstring injury.

David Alaba is in contention to start with full-backs Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy likely to return to Ancelotti's XI.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Brest (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouameni, Modric; Brahima, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappe.

Brest vs Real Madrid score prediction

You can't downplay what novices Brest have achieved in this competition so far, but last week's result greatly hindered their chances of qualifying for the round of 16.

Still, securing a play-off berth is an immense achievement, and they'll be aiming to conclude their league phase with a historic result on Wednesday. The hosts' domestic form has improved in the new year, but Madrid are showing signs of discovering an ominous groove.

They've won four straight since their Supercopa beatdown and have scored 17 times in those victories. While Brest's stubbornness has played a key role in their success so far, they surely won't be able to contain a purring frontline here. Kylian Mbappe is in the mood, and he may well put familiar opposition to the sword on Wednesday after netting a hat-trick on Saturday.