RC Lens is preparing to visit Brest this Friday at 20:45, buoyed by the returns of Allan Saint-Maximin up front and Samson Baidoo at the back. These two key players are expected to shape the end of the season for the Sang et Or, according to Le Progrès.

Allan Saint-Maximin has already demonstrated his influence in the Coupe de France semi-final at Bollaert, where he started, consigning Wesley Saïd to the bench. The forward repeatedly unsettled Toulouse and capped his performance with a goal on 18 minutes, contributing to the 4-1 victory.

Samson Baidoo, returning after months out, initially lacked rhythm, leading to a Toulouse strike on 21 minutes. However, coach Pierre Sage downplayed blame, saying the issue began earlier in the move. The 22-year-old Austrian is regaining sharpness after a hamstring injury and setback that cost him nearly three months.

Pierre Sage accepts that rust and lost habits can bring errors, a price he is prepared to pay for Baidoo's return. He will manage the defender's minutes, yet needs him in a back three to tighten a defence that has leaked too many goals lately.

Currently second in Ligue 1 with 62 points, RC Lens aims to seal Champions League qualification ahead of Lyon (54 points), Lille (54 points), Rennes (53 points), and Marseille (52 points). The club will also have the opportunity to lift the Coupe de France on May 22.

Up front, Allan Saint-Maximin has timed his surge perfectly. After a flying winter start then a dip, Pierre Sage now sees better balance as the team organizes around his talent and he fuels the collective.