Following a fantastic third-place finish in the previous Ligue 1 season, Brest will participate in European competition for the first time as they take on Sturm Graz, who have not reached this stage of the tournament in more than 20 years.
The French team have encountered a tough start to the new season but are considered favorites against their Austrian opponents.
Team news
Brest have no new injury worries for this match, but midfielders Romain Faivre, Pierre Lees-Melou, and Bradley Locko are still sidelined, with Locko out of action until February.
Manprit Sarkaria is uncertain for the visitors due to a minor injury, while Alexander Borkovic is unavailable due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The stats
Sturm Graz have won only three of their last 18 away games in European competitions.
Brest achieved a 4-0 victory in their recent home game.
This will mark Brest's inaugural European match.
Sturm Graz have not participated in the Champions League group stage since the 2000-01 season.
Sturm Graz have not kept a clean sheet in four matches.
Prediction
Brest secured their place in the top division of French football on the final day of the 2020-21 season. Just three years later, they are embarking on an incredible journey following their third-place finish last season, which guaranteed them European football for the first time.
Despite a challenging start to the new season, Brest might bounce back when they debut in the Champions League on Thursday.
Sturm Graz have experience in European competitions but have struggled in recent years, failing to progress to the Champions League group stage since the 2000-01 season and finishing third in their Europa League group last season.
The Austrian team have won only three of their last 18 European away matches, and those victories were against teams like Slovan Bratislava, Rakow Częstochowa, and Mura.
Although Brest faced difficulties at the start of this season, their recent 4-0 win against Saint-Etienne at home and their solid home record from last season suggest they could perform well in their European debut.
Sturm Graz struggled in European competitions last season, losing seven out of 12 matches. Therefore, it is likely that Brest will secure a victory in their European debut on Thursday.