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What on paper is supposed to be one of the most lopsided matches in this season’s Champions League group stage, Club Brugge will have the daunting task of battling Manchester City on Matchdays 3 and 4. With that said, what is there to know and expect in this tie from the Belgian champs?
While the Cityzens head into these two matches as overwhelming favorites, the pressure will be on Guardiola’s side to take the full complement of points on both occasions. However, Club Brugge have already proven in this season’s competition that they are no pushovers, with 4 points out a possible 6 to their credit.
Club Brugge are no pushovers
With Neymar, Messi, Mbappé and co coming to the Janbreydelstadion on Matchday 1, it was expected that PSG would give the Belgian side a thumping. Instead, the hosts played some solid football, were fearless in their approach, and deservedly came out with a goal and a point from the match.
Matchday 2 was an even more impressive result, topping Leipzig 2-1 in Germany with an excellent tactical approach and a thorough game plan played to perfection. While City are a point behind the Belgians in the group following their 2-0 reverse at the Parc des Princes, they are still in solid position to qualify.
Club Brugge, looking to prolong their Champions League journey past the new year for the first time, are in a solid position to do so; with a win in either or both of the ties, it keeps them in the hunt for a top 2 finish in the group.
With both teams winning their weekend league matches 2-0 at home, both head into these ties in good form and filled with confidence. Coaches Pep Guardiola and Philip Clement have kept their cards close to their chest regarding who will start, so expect a fascinating tactical battle in West Flanders and in the City of Manchester.
Ferran Torres is the only notable absentee for the Cityzens, with Ederson and Gabriel Jesus both a question mark following their return from international duty. The Blue and Blacks have a full bill of health, though midfielder Eder Balanta could miss out on the trip to Manchester should he be booked in Belgium.
John Stones is not a part of #ManCity‘s 20-man travelling squad for the #UCL clash vs Club Brugge.
Confirmed list of players as per @ManCity below:https://t.co/t82JIokhwf
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) October 18, 2021
What to expect from Club Brugge?
Finally, what to expect from Club Brugge? With a solid core, Clement has several players to call upon. It will be interesting to see if club captain Ruud Vormer makes a return to the starting 11 on Tuesday night following his brace in Friday’s league match.
Vice-captain Hans Vanaken has scored in his last 4 Champions League outings for Brugge, hoping to extend that streak against Pep’s men.
Some other players to watch from the former European Cup finalists, winger Noa Lang is a hot prospect, with Leeds rumored to have wanted his signature during the summer window. He also enjoyed his debut for the Netherlands in the recent international break; many European sides will be watching him again throughout the 2 fixtures.
The other really exciting name is Charles de Ketelaere. The versatile youngster burst onto the scene two seasons ago and has not looked back.
He was crucial in Brugge’s Champions League campaign last season, with his thundering shot in the 90th minute of their Matchday 6 game at Lazio coming centimeters away from sending his side to the last 16 at the Italian’s expense.
He has been in the news recently for being named on the shortlist for the Golden Boy award and has garnered attention from a plethora of Europe’s top clubs.
This promises to be an intriguing tie should Club Brugge stick to their game plan and are consistent throughout. Can de Ketelaere and co. spring another massive surprise or will it be easy pickings for Guardiola’s troops?
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