13 September 2021, 09:20 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The UEFA Champions League Group A fixture, Club Brugge vs. Paris Saint-Germain F.C. kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Wednesday, September 15 at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
Preview Club Brugge Champions League, Sep 15, 2021
Preview Club Brugge KV will return to the UEFA Champions League after Friday's 3-0 win over Oostende in the Belgian Pro League. Last season, the Belgian side failed to advance beyond the group stage, finishing in 3rd with 8 points and subsequently ending up in the Europa League round-of-32. This time around, the Belgian champions aim for a spot in the UCL round-of-16. The club is currently enjoying domestic dominance, sitting at the top of the Belgian Division A table after seven games. Club Brugge have picked up only one defeat in their last five games across all competitions: DWWLW. Considering the arsenal at the opposition's disposal when it comes to the final third, coach Philippe Clement could line up with a defensive 5—3—2 formation. The objective would be to keep PSG at bay in the midfield, while offering as much protection as possible to the first line of defense. In attack, Clement will likely count on the duo consisting of Lang and Charles De Ketelaere for the goal scoring duties. Looking at the numbers since Club Brugge made their first entry into Europe’s top-flight football in 1973, the Belgian club has a 35%-win rate, picking up 39W, 26D & 47L in 112 appearances. Philippe Clement will aim for at least a draw on Wednesday, knowing fully well a victory over the star-studded PSG side appears to be a tall order. Fortunately, he will have the luxury of picking his first XI from a fully fit squad. Looking ahead, the club will visit the Red Bull Arena for another Group A fixture against RB Leipzig on Matchday 2, Sept. 28.
Preview Paris Saint Germain Champions League, Sep 15, 2021
Preview Meanwhile, PSG will begin their quest for European dominance on Wednesday when they visit the Jan Breydel Stadium. The French side made a huge statement of intent, adding quality to the squad in almost all departments in a bid to include the elusive big ears to their haul of trophies. PSG moved into 1st place on the French Ligue 1 table, following Saturday's 4-0 win over Clermont Foot. The club returns to the UEFA Champions League with five victories in a row across all competitions: WWWWW. Pochettino could line up a 4—2—3—1 formation with Lionel Messi playing behind Mbappe. Di Maria and Neymar could also form part of the trio behind Mbappe. PSG will keep an eye on the Belgian forward, Charles De Ketelaere. The 20-year-old is Brugge’s joint top-scorer, having bagged 3 goals in 7 appearances for the club this season. Sergio Ramos continues to struggle with a calf injury, while Marco Verratti remains in doubt with a knee injury. PSG will welcome Manchester City to the Parc des Princes on Matchday 2, Sept. 28.