Manchester City vs Club Brugge Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | UEFA Champions League, January 29, 2025

Manchester City vs Club Brugge Preview

• Competition: UEFA Champions League.
• Date: Wednesday, January 29.
• Time: 8:00 PM GMT.
• Venue: Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City vs Club Brugge will be these two teams’ final group-stage match in the UEFA Champions League and will take place at the Etihad Stadium on January 29.

The hosts will enter this contest in 25^th place with eight points from seven matches. They are two points adrift of the qualifying spots and will need a win to ensure they progress. Manchester City seem to have found form recently, winning three of their last five matches. They have drawn one and fallen to one defeat but will be confident heading into the next one. City came from behind to defeat Chelsea 3-1 in their last match and will use that to boost them.

Brugge, on the other hand, are 20^th in the table with 11 points from seven matches. A draw would be sufficient for them, while a defeat could also see them progress. They have been in stunning form overall and are unbeaten across competitions since October 22, when they lost to AC Milan in the UCL. With three wins and two draws in their last five, Club Brugge will look to carry that run forward. They secured a 1-1 draw against Kortrijk in their last match.

On that note, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.

Manchester City Team News

Manager Pep Guardiola fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match as they secured a 3-1 win at home. Most of the players barring one or two had great games and they did not pick up any new injuries or suspensions. However, they will be without five players for the next one.

Jeremy Doku (discomfort), Nathan Ake (muscle), Oscar Bobb (broken leg), Rodri (cruciate ligament) and Ruben Dias (groin) will all miss out as they continue to recover from their injuries.

Club Brugge Team News

Manager Nicky Hayen fielded a strong lineup in his team’s last match as they drew 1-1 at home. The defenders and midfielders put in great performances, and there were no new injuries or suspensions to report. Luckily for Hayen, all the players will be fit and available for selection.

Manchester City vs Club Brugge Predicted Lineups

Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Ederson.

Defenders: Matheus Nunes, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol.

Midfielders: Bernardo Silva (C), Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne.

Forwards: Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Savinho.

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Club Brugge Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet (C).

Defenders: Joaquin Seys, Brandon Mechele, Zaid Romero, Bjorn Meijer.

Midfielders: Ardon Jashari, Casper Nielsen, Hugo Vetlesen.

Forwards: Michal Skoras, Christos Tzolis, Gustaf Nilsson.

Manchester City vs Club Brugge Head-to-Head Record

These two teams have faced off twice before, with both those games taking place in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League in the 2021/22 season. Manchester City won both those games against Club Brugge with an aggregate scoreline of 9-2.

Key Players to Watch

Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

The Norwegian marksman has led the scoring charts for Manchester City yet again, with six goals to his name so far in the Champions League. Those have come at 7.46 xG, meaning Haaland still has scope to improve his output. He has five goals and one assist in his last five matches. He has also recorded 13 shots on target and two take-ons in that time.

Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge)

The club captain did not start the last one and may not start the next, but remains a viable option off the bench. He has scored one goal and provided one assist so far in the competition and will be key to Club Brugge getting anything out of this match.

Manchester City vs Club Brugge Prediction

Going by the past meetings as well as their current form, Manchester City are the clear favourites to win this game. Playing at home will also give them an added boost of confidence.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Club Brugge.

Where to watch Manchester City vs Club Brugge live?

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