Club Brugge KV vs Sporting CP prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – League phase betting tips on match 2024-12-09 20:00.
[p]Since losing to AC Milan on matchday three of this year’s UEFA Champions League (UCL), Club Brugge have embarked on a ten-game unbeaten streak across all competitions (W8, D2), and come into this clash against Sporting CP targeting a fourth successive victory. A 2-1 win away at Mechelen on Saturday maintained their firm grip on a top-two place domestically, but Nicky Hayen’s side still have plenty to do if they are to progress in Europe.[/p]
[p]The Belgians begin matchday six inside the qualification places and with a three-point cushion to the chasing pack. Their position will remain vulnerable if their problems in front of goal persist, as Club Brugge have scored only four times across this campaign, with the last two coming from the penalty spot and an own goal![/p]
[p]Sporting have also misplaced their shooting boots of late, as after scoring 25 goals in six wins either side of Ruben Amorim’s departure, have scored only twice across their last three fixtures (L3). It’s the first time in over five years that the Lions have lost three successive games, with that streak including a thumping 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in the UCL which dropped them out of the automatic qualification places.[/p]
[p]It’s all adding to the pressure on new boss João Pereira, who despite beginning his tenure with a 6-0 cup win, saw some fans wave white handkerchiefs and call for his sacking after Thursday’s 2-1 loss in the league to Moreirense. He’s fortunate that Amorim left the club in such a strong position both domestically and in Europe, but things could continue to unravel if Sporting’s miserable record on Belgian soil is anything to go by (D3, L3).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Winger Chemsdine Talbi is yet to start a UCL home game this season, but has been in fine form at the Jan Breydel Stadion, directly contributing to four goals in his last three league matches there (G3, A1). Midfielder Hidamasa Morita didn’t contribute in Sporting’s defeat on Thursday, but he got a goal and two assists across their two prior away fixtures. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Club Brugge have won three of their last five home games in the UCL main draw (L2), as many as in their previous 22 such matches (D7, L12).[/p]
[p][i]Written by Tom Penn[/i][/p]