With a provisional 26th position and barely four points out of fifteen, Club Brugge will remain outside the eighth finals of the Champions League for the time being. Statistics still give the team a fifty percent chance, but the situation looks worrying.
Defensive vulnerability
Analyst Dennis Van Wijk points to the lack of Simon Mignolet, about which a lot has already been said. “I may be kicking in an open door now, but I will put my hands on the fire: Mignolet is more of a ball-packer than Jackers, isn’t it?! That must have saved a few goals in the Champions League,” said the Krant van West-Vlaanderen.
According to him, the loss of the experienced goalkeeper has a direct impact on defensive stability. Van Wijk follows English football closely and sees that Club can only benefit from a few absentees at Arsenal, such as the central duo of Saliba-Gabriel.
“Because Hincapie-Mosquera is a lot less. Club will be forced to undergo the law of the strongest and will above all be allowed to give away as few free kicks and corners as possible,” he continues. He emphasizes that switching points via Forbs’ speed can be a weapon, but warns that applying high pressure is dangerous. Then they are played from pillar to post, according to Van Wijk.
Statistical capabilities
Despite the current malaise, calculations show that Club still has a chance. Van Wijk acknowledges that this is correct, but attaches conditions to it. “But given their poor goal difference, they still have to get at least 5 or 6 out of 9. 7 out of 9 would be even better, but then they have to get something against Arsenal, even if they can guarantee their place in the first eight.”
Look at opponents
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According to Van Wijk, there are opportunities against Almaty, although this remains unpredictable. He points out that Club often appears stronger at home, as before against Monaco and Barcelona. Marseille is also mentioned as a team that makes mistakes under pressure, which can create opportunities.
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