Lugano vs Club Brugge KV prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2023-10-25 16:45.
Following their return to European group-stage action for the first time in four seasons, Lugano find themselves top of UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) Group D with four points after two matches. For the most part, that is thanks to a stunning turnaround on matchday two which saw the Swiss outfit score three times from the 81st minute to come from 2-0 down at Beşiktaş to win 3-2.
The Bianconeri will no doubt use that result as inspiration following a slight dip in form domestically that has seen them lose their last two games, with manager Mattia Croci-Torti looking to ensure Lugano don’t suffer a third straight defeat for the second time already this term. Given their last five games have all been decided by a single goal margin, this match promises to be a close-fought contest as they seek to avoid that plight.
Thursday’s opponents Club Brugge sit below their hosts on goal difference, but the Belgians will perhaps still be frustrated they don’t have a 100% UECL record after squandering a late lead in a 1-1 draw against Beşiktaş on matchday one. Head coach Ronny Deila, who was only appointed in July, is certainly in need of a win following a run of just one victory in seven games (D4, L2), something that has seen the team slip as low as seventh in the league, having been champions in five of the last nine seasons.
The Blue and Black have a fairly balanced record against Swiss sides (W6, D2, L4) but those stats mask a run of just one away win in six trips. In order to improve that recent trend, Club Brugge will want to get in front quickly, but that’s something Deila’s men have failed to do often enough, scoring just once before the break since they kicked off their UECL group campaign six weeks ago.
Players to watch: Shkelqim Vladi got the equaliser in Lugano’s thrilling comeback at Beşiktaş and has also netted three times in his last five starts. Meanwhile, Andreas Skov Olsen has been a shining light in a dark period for Club Brugge, recording five goal contributions in his last seven appearances (G3, A2), four of which came after the break.
Hot stat: Eleven of Club Brugge’s last 13 matches have seen both teams score.