Yep I'm with you on this one!
We might do better if we had a goalkeeper.
Fair enough
Welcome to the mains
*Barack
We need to do exactly that. They are the best at getting in through a qualifier.
it's the group stage qualifiers, not round of 16.
Part of me wants us to let loose and go crazy. But then i remember this is vastly important and not giving away an away goal is way more priority than entertaining football. A steady 2 love victory should be fine. We can experiament in league cup and in december in CL if we have already qualified for round of 16, hopefully.
Agreed playing it practical is probably the best course of action. But going for a big win could also finish off the tie in one match. If we do go up a goal or two, I'd hope we go for more rather than shut up shop
This preview is only for people interested in a more extensive look at Club Brugge's team. Impossible for me personally to be happy with this draw as a fan of both teams, but at least it might help some of you to get to know your opponent and the (injury) struggles they're fighting through right now.
Formation:
Club Brugge has been switching between systems so far this season. The usual 433 has often been replaced by a 532/352 formation. This is in part due to injuries. 4 natural wingers (including our 3 best ones) are injured at the moment, so the manager has had to find different solutions. Playing without attacking wingers or playing others out of position are the only real options. I expect a 532 at Old Trafford.
Injuries:
Even though it’s only the start of the season, the Club Brugge squad is full of injured players.
Thomas Meunier (RB), Bjorn Engels (CB), Lior Refaelov (AMR), Jose Izquierdo (AML) and Felipe Gedoz (all attacking midfield positions) are all first team regulars who are out of the games against Man Utd.
CB Stefano Denswil (played CL football for Ajax) is also injured, as are new signing Ibini (winger) and young attacking midfielder Sander Coopman.
On top of that, regulars Oscar Duarte and Victor Vazquez are struggling with minor injuries but are expected to play (at least part of the game).
Expected lineup:
————————Bruzzese
-Cools—Mechele-Duarte-De Bock— Bolingoli
——————Simons-Vormer
————————Vazquez
———————Diaby--Dierckx
GK: 1st choice goalkeeper Sinan Bolat has only just returned from injury and hasn’t played a game yet. I’d be surprised if he’s in goal against Utd. Backup Bruzzese has very good reactions and shot-stopping ability, but there’s a reason he’s been a backup for most of his career. He struggles to hold on to long shots and can be a liability in the air.
Defence: Cools is a young and very promising right back who has only just joined Club Brugge this summer from the Belgian 2nd division. He’s been very impressive so far but like most attacking minded young fullbacks/wingbacks still has to work on his defending. His lack of experience might show when he's defending against a higher level winger. There’s a decent possibility the manager chooses the experienced (but declining) fullback De Fauw ahead of him if he wants to play it ‘safe’.
Bolingoli on the other side is another young Belgian who’s very quick and has a knack for scoring goals, but his technique and defending isn’t on the same level. De Bock is the regular leftback but I expect him to play central if Club goes 3 at the back.
Duarte is probably our best defender, while Mechele is also a very good defender. Both are physical but not the quickest players. Duarte is Club Brugge’s main threat from set pieces.
Midfield: Simons and Vormer will do most of the running in central areas. Timmy Simons is the 38-year old captain who still has great stamina and the positional sense to protect the defence. He’s not the player he once was anymore, but can still do a job as defensive midfielder. He’s been playing in defence too recently, but with Club Brugge expected to chase the ball a lot, I’d think he’ll be needed in midfield. Vormer is a good all-round footballer with incredible stamina and mentality. Can be a goal-threat too thanks to his relentless box-to-box running.
Victor Vazquez then, by far the most gifted footballer in this team and in the Belgian league as a whole. He’s a creative attacking midfielder who came through the Barcelona youth system as one of the most promising players, before a bad knee injury ruined his chances. He’s still a fantastic player but struggles with the physical side of the game. He’s playing through some injury/discomfort now too, so still doubtful if he starts. He’s the player who has the genius to create a goal (or chance) out of nothing. (Example below)
Attack: In attack, Diaby is a certainty. He’s very quick, but sometimes a bit too hasty in his actions which leads to him losing the ball. Scored regularly last year but has been struggling to convert his chances this season so far. Still, his pace could cause problems on the break, certainly if he’s up against Blind.
The other attacker could be anyone from Dierckx, De Sutter or Oulare.
Dierckx is a young, tricky winger/forward who has excelled after getting his chance due to the many injuries. His performances in recent weeks might have earned him a start at Old Trafford.
Tom De Sutter would be the ‘safe’ option. He’s a tall targetman who relies on his allround game rather than having one specific quality. He’ll leave for Bursaspor after the games against Utd so you’d think he’d start on the bench.
Obbi Oulare is probably the most talented striker. Even Smalling would struggle against him on his day, but he can only play about 30-40 minutes with decent intensity. Would be a good sub after 60 minutes.
Man Utd clear favourites in this tie, also helped by the incredible injury crisis in the Club Brugge squad. Having watched almost all of both teams’ games I honestly believe Club Brugge at full strength would have been a very difficult opponent for the current Man Utd. I still doubt it will be a trashing now, but you just don’t replace 5-6 of your best players without losing quality.
If Utd keep struggling to create chances, Club Brugge still has the players and mentality to upset them.
Will be interesting to see how they cope with the higher pace of Utd. I expect Club Brugge to choose a very cautious and defensive approach. The lack of wingers might allow Man Utd's fullbacks a lot of space to get forward though. Club Brugge is very good at home, so I'd expect Van Gaal to try and get a big win on Tuesday, knowing the importance of qualifying.
Btw, keep in mind that 'You'll never walk alone' is sung at every Club Brugge game, has nothing to do with Liverpool.
I'll end this ridiculously long post with a wave to the members of Club Brugge's forum reading this. They'll certainly be upset about this post again
but I still think it's going to be very nervy for United, we simply have to win the consequences of losing will be awful, personally not expecting any massive scoreline though.Great post and information, cheers for that!This preview is only for people interested in a more extensive look at Club Brugge's team. Impossible for me personally to be happy with this draw as a fan of both teams, but at least it might help some of you to get to know your opponent and the (injury) struggles they're fighting through right now.
Formation:
Club Brugge has been switching between systems so far this season. The usual 433 has often been replaced by a 532/352 formation. This is in part due to injuries. 4 natural wingers (including our 3 best ones) are injured at the moment, so the manager has had to find different solutions. Playing without attacking wingers or playing others out of position are the only real options. I expect a 532 at Old Trafford.
Injuries:
Even though it’s only the start of the season, the Club Brugge squad is full of injured players.
Thomas Meunier (RB), Bjorn Engels (CB), Lior Refaelov (AMR), Jose Izquierdo (AML) and Felipe Gedoz (all attacking midfield positions) are all first team regulars who are out of the games against Man Utd.
CB Stefano Denswil (played CL football for Ajax) is also injured, as are new signing Ibini (winger) and young attacking midfielder Sander Coopman.
On top of that, regulars Oscar Duarte and Victor Vazquez are struggling with minor injuries but are expected to play (at least part of the game).
Expected lineup:
————————Bruzzese
-Cools—Mechele-Duarte-De Bock— Bolingoli
——————Simons-Vormer
————————Vazquez
———————Diaby--Dierckx
GK: 1st choice goalkeeper Sinan Bolat has only just returned from injury and hasn’t played a game yet. I’d be surprised if he’s in goal against Utd. Backup Bruzzese has very good reactions and shot-stopping ability, but there’s a reason he’s been a backup for most of his career. He struggles to hold on to long shots and can be a liability in the air.
Defence: Cools is a young and very promising right back who has only just joined Club Brugge this summer from the Belgian 2nd division. He’s been very impressive so far but like most attacking minded young fullbacks/wingbacks still has to work on his defending. His lack of experience might show when he's defending against a higher level winger. There’s a decent possibility the manager chooses the experienced (but declining) fullback De Fauw ahead of him if he wants to play it ‘safe’.
Bolingoli on the other side is another young Belgian who’s very quick and has a knack for scoring goals, but his technique and defending isn’t on the same level. De Bock is the regular leftback but I expect him to play central if Club goes 3 at the back.
Duarte is probably our best defender, while Mechele is also a very good defender. Both are physical but not the quickest players. Duarte is Club Brugge’s main threat from set pieces.
Midfield: Simons and Vormer will do most of the running in central areas. Timmy Simons is the 38-year old captain who still has great stamina and the positional sense to protect the defence. He’s not the player he once was anymore, but can still do a job as defensive midfielder. He’s been playing in defence too recently, but with Club Brugge expected to chase the ball a lot, I’d think he’ll be needed in midfield. Vormer is a good all-round footballer with incredible stamina and mentality. Can be a goal-threat too thanks to his relentless box-to-box running.
Victor Vazquez then, by far the most gifted footballer in this team and in the Belgian league as a whole. He’s a creative attacking midfielder who came through the Barcelona youth system as one of the most promising players, before a bad knee injury ruined his chances. He’s still a fantastic player but struggles with the physical side of the game. He’s playing through some injury/discomfort now too, so still doubtful if he starts. He’s the player who has the genius to create a goal (or chance) out of nothing. (Example below)
Attack: In attack, Diaby is a certainty. He’s very quick, but sometimes a bit too hasty in his actions which leads to him losing the ball. Scored regularly last year but has been struggling to convert his chances this season so far. Still, his pace could cause problems on the break, certainly if he’s up against Blind.
The other attacker could be anyone from Dierckx, De Sutter or Oulare.
Dierckx is a young, tricky winger/forward who has excelled after getting his chance due to the many injuries. His performances in recent weeks might have earned him a start at Old Trafford.
Tom De Sutter would be the ‘safe’ option. He’s a tall targetman who relies on his allround game rather than having one specific quality. He’ll leave for Bursaspor after the games against Utd so you’d think he’d start on the bench.
Obbi Oulare is probably the most talented striker. Even Smalling would struggle against him on his day, but he can only play about 30-40 minutes with decent intensity. Would be a good sub after 60 minutes.
Man Utd clear favourites in this tie, also helped by the incredible injury crisis in the Club Brugge squad. Having watched almost all of both teams’ games I honestly believe Club Brugge at full strength would have been a very difficult opponent for the current Man Utd. I still doubt it will be a trashing now, but you just don’t replace 5-6 of your best players without losing quality.
If Utd keep struggling to create chances, Club Brugge still has the players and mentality to upset them.
Will be interesting to see how they cope with the higher pace of Utd. I expect Club Brugge to choose a very cautious and defensive approach. The lack of wingers might allow Man Utd's fullbacks a lot of space to get forward though. Club Brugge is very good at home, so I'd expect Van Gaal to try and get a big win on Tuesday, knowing the importance of qualifying.
Btw, keep in mind that 'You'll never walk alone' is sung at every Club Brugge game, has nothing to do with Liverpool.
I'll end this ridiculously long post with a wave to the members of Club Brugge's forum reading this. They'll certainly be upset about this post again
Great effort to post that, much obliged.This preview is only for people interested in a more extensive look at Club Brugge's team. Impossible for me personally to be happy with this draw as a fan of both teams, but at least it might help some of you to get to know your opponent and the (injury) struggles they're fighting through right now.
Formation:
Club Brugge has been switching between systems so far this season. The usual 433 has often been replaced by a 532/352 formation. This is in part due to injuries. 4 natural wingers (including our 3 best ones) are injured at the moment, so the manager has had to find different solutions. Playing without attacking wingers or playing others out of position are the only real options. I expect a 532 at Old Trafford.
Injuries:
Even though it’s only the start of the season, the Club Brugge squad is full of injured players.
Thomas Meunier (RB), Bjorn Engels (CB), Lior Refaelov (AMR), Jose Izquierdo (AML) and Felipe Gedoz (all attacking midfield positions) are all first team regulars who are out of the games against Man Utd.
CB Stefano Denswil (played CL football for Ajax) is also injured, as are new signing Ibini (winger) and young attacking midfielder Sander Coopman.
On top of that, regulars Oscar Duarte and Victor Vazquez are struggling with minor injuries but are expected to play (at least part of the game).
Expected lineup:
————————Bruzzese
-Cools—Mechele-Duarte-De Bock— Bolingoli
——————Simons-Vormer
————————Vazquez
———————Diaby--Dierckx
GK: 1st choice goalkeeper Sinan Bolat has only just returned from injury and hasn’t played a game yet. I’d be surprised if he’s in goal against Utd. Backup Bruzzese has very good reactions and shot-stopping ability, but there’s a reason he’s been a backup for most of his career. He struggles to hold on to long shots and can be a liability in the air.
Defence: Cools is a young and very promising right back who has only just joined Club Brugge this summer from the Belgian 2nd division. He’s been very impressive so far but like most attacking minded young fullbacks/wingbacks still has to work on his defending. His lack of experience might show when he's defending against a higher level winger. There’s a decent possibility the manager chooses the experienced (but declining) fullback De Fauw ahead of him if he wants to play it ‘safe’.
Bolingoli on the other side is another young Belgian who’s very quick and has a knack for scoring goals, but his technique and defending isn’t on the same level. De Bock is the regular leftback but I expect him to play central if Club goes 3 at the back.
Duarte is probably our best defender, while Mechele is also a very good defender. Both are physical but not the quickest players. Duarte is Club Brugge’s main threat from set pieces.
Midfield: Simons and Vormer will do most of the running in central areas. Timmy Simons is the 38-year old captain who still has great stamina and the positional sense to protect the defence. He’s not the player he once was anymore, but can still do a job as defensive midfielder. He’s been playing in defence too recently, but with Club Brugge expected to chase the ball a lot, I’d think he’ll be needed in midfield. Vormer is a good all-round footballer with incredible stamina and mentality. Can be a goal-threat too thanks to his relentless box-to-box running.
Victor Vazquez then, by far the most gifted footballer in this team and in the Belgian league as a whole. He’s a creative attacking midfielder who came through the Barcelona youth system as one of the most promising players, before a bad knee injury ruined his chances. He’s still a fantastic player but struggles with the physical side of the game. He’s playing through some injury/discomfort now too, so still doubtful if he starts. He’s the player who has the genius to create a goal (or chance) out of nothing. (Example below)
Attack: In attack, Diaby is a certainty. He’s very quick, but sometimes a bit too hasty in his actions which leads to him losing the ball. Scored regularly last year but has been struggling to convert his chances this season so far. Still, his pace could cause problems on the break, certainly if he’s up against Blind.
The other attacker could be anyone from Dierckx, De Sutter or Oulare.
Dierckx is a young, tricky winger/forward who has excelled after getting his chance due to the many injuries. His performances in recent weeks might have earned him a start at Old Trafford.
Tom De Sutter would be the ‘safe’ option. He’s a tall targetman who relies on his allround game rather than having one specific quality. He’ll leave for Bursaspor after the games against Utd so you’d think he’d start on the bench.
Obbi Oulare is probably the most talented striker. Even Smalling would struggle against him on his day, but he can only play about 30-40 minutes with decent intensity. Would be a good sub after 60 minutes.
Man Utd clear favourites in this tie, also helped by the incredible injury crisis in the Club Brugge squad. Having watched almost all of both teams’ games I honestly believe Club Brugge at full strength would have been a very difficult opponent for the current Man Utd. I still doubt it will be a trashing now, but you just don’t replace 5-6 of your best players without losing quality.
If Utd keep struggling to create chances, Club Brugge still has the players and mentality to upset them.
Will be interesting to see how they cope with the higher pace of Utd. I expect Club Brugge to choose a very cautious and defensive approach. The lack of wingers might allow Man Utd's fullbacks a lot of space to get forward though. Club Brugge is very good at home, so I'd expect Van Gaal to try and get a big win on Tuesday, knowing the importance of qualifying.
Btw, keep in mind that 'You'll never walk alone' is sung at every Club Brugge game, has nothing to do with Liverpool.
I'll end this ridiculously long post with a wave to the members of Club Brugge's forum reading this. They'll certainly be upset about this post again
That's a really excellent post. Cheers for making the effort to educate the know nothings like myself about exactly what we've got in store.This preview is only for people interested in a more extensive look at Club Brugge's team. Impossible for me personally to be happy with this draw as a fan of both teams, but at least it might help some of you to get to know your opponent and the (injury) struggles they're fighting through right now.
Formation:
Club Brugge has been switching between systems so far this season. The usual 433 has often been replaced by a 532/352 formation. This is in part due to injuries. 4 natural wingers (including our 3 best ones) are injured at the moment, so the manager has had to find different solutions. Playing without attacking wingers or playing others out of position are the only real options. I expect a 532 at Old Trafford.
Injuries:
Even though it’s only the start of the season, the Club Brugge squad is full of injured players.
Thomas Meunier (RB), Bjorn Engels (CB), Lior Refaelov (AMR), Jose Izquierdo (AML) and Felipe Gedoz (all attacking midfield positions) are all first team regulars who are out of the games against Man Utd.
CB Stefano Denswil (played CL football for Ajax) is also injured, as are new signing Ibini (winger) and young attacking midfielder Sander Coopman.
On top of that, regulars Oscar Duarte and Victor Vazquez are struggling with minor injuries but are expected to play (at least part of the game).
Expected lineup:
————————Bruzzese
-Cools—Mechele-Duarte-De Bock— Bolingoli
——————Simons-Vormer
————————Vazquez
———————Diaby--Dierckx
GK: 1st choice goalkeeper Sinan Bolat has only just returned from injury and hasn’t played a game yet. I’d be surprised if he’s in goal against Utd. Backup Bruzzese has very good reactions and shot-stopping ability, but there’s a reason he’s been a backup for most of his career. He struggles to hold on to long shots and can be a liability in the air.
Defence: Cools is a young and very promising right back who has only just joined Club Brugge this summer from the Belgian 2nd division. He’s been very impressive so far but like most attacking minded young fullbacks/wingbacks still has to work on his defending. His lack of experience might show when he's defending against a higher level winger. There’s a decent possibility the manager chooses the experienced (but declining) fullback De Fauw ahead of him if he wants to play it ‘safe’.
Bolingoli on the other side is another young Belgian who’s very quick and has a knack for scoring goals, but his technique and defending isn’t on the same level. De Bock is the regular leftback but I expect him to play central if Club goes 3 at the back.
Duarte is probably our best defender, while Mechele is also a very good defender. Both are physical but not the quickest players. Duarte is Club Brugge’s main threat from set pieces.
Midfield: Simons and Vormer will do most of the running in central areas. Timmy Simons is the 38-year old captain who still has great stamina and the positional sense to protect the defence. He’s not the player he once was anymore, but can still do a job as defensive midfielder. He’s been playing in defence too recently, but with Club Brugge expected to chase the ball a lot, I’d think he’ll be needed in midfield. Vormer is a good all-round footballer with incredible stamina and mentality. Can be a goal-threat too thanks to his relentless box-to-box running.
Victor Vazquez then, by far the most gifted footballer in this team and in the Belgian league as a whole. He’s a creative attacking midfielder who came through the Barcelona youth system as one of the most promising players, before a bad knee injury ruined his chances. He’s still a fantastic player but struggles with the physical side of the game. He’s playing through some injury/discomfort now too, so still doubtful if he starts. He’s the player who has the genius to create a goal (or chance) out of nothing. (Example below)
Attack: In attack, Diaby is a certainty. He’s very quick, but sometimes a bit too hasty in his actions which leads to him losing the ball. Scored regularly last year but has been struggling to convert his chances this season so far. Still, his pace could cause problems on the break, certainly if he’s up against Blind.
The other attacker could be anyone from Dierckx, De Sutter or Oulare.
Dierckx is a young, tricky winger/forward who has excelled after getting his chance due to the many injuries. His performances in recent weeks might have earned him a start at Old Trafford.
Tom De Sutter would be the ‘safe’ option. He’s a tall targetman who relies on his allround game rather than having one specific quality. He’ll leave for Bursaspor after the games against Utd so you’d think he’d start on the bench.
Obbi Oulare is probably the most talented striker. Even Smalling would struggle against him on his day, but he can only play about 30-40 minutes with decent intensity. Would be a good sub after 60 minutes.
Man Utd clear favourites in this tie, also helped by the incredible injury crisis in the Club Brugge squad. Having watched almost all of both teams’ games I honestly believe Club Brugge at full strength would have been a very difficult opponent for the current Man Utd. I still doubt it will be a trashing now, but you just don’t replace 5-6 of your best players without losing quality.
If Utd keep struggling to create chances, Club Brugge still has the players and mentality to upset them.
Will be interesting to see how they cope with the higher pace of Utd. I expect Club Brugge to choose a very cautious and defensive approach. The lack of wingers might allow Man Utd's fullbacks a lot of space to get forward though. Club Brugge is very good at home, so I'd expect Van Gaal to try and get a big win on Tuesday, knowing the importance of qualifying.
Btw, keep in mind that 'You'll never walk alone' is sung at every Club Brugge game, has nothing to do with Liverpool.
I'll end this ridiculously long post with a wave to the members of Club Brugge's forum reading this. They'll certainly be upset about this post again
This preview is only for people interested in a more extensive look at Club Brugge's team. Impossible for me personally to be happy with this draw as a fan of both teams, but at least it might help some of you to get to know your opponent and the (injury) struggles they're fighting through right now.
Formation:
Club Brugge has been switching between systems so far this season. The usual 433 has often been replaced by a 532/352 formation. This is in part due to injuries. 4 natural wingers (including our 3 best ones) are injured at the moment, so the manager has had to find different solutions. Playing without attacking wingers or playing others out of position are the only real options. I expect a 532 at Old Trafford.
Injuries:
Even though it’s only the start of the season, the Club Brugge squad is full of injured players.
Thomas Meunier (RB), Bjorn Engels (CB), Lior Refaelov (AMR), Jose Izquierdo (AML) and Felipe Gedoz (all attacking midfield positions) are all first team regulars who are out of the games against Man Utd.
CB Stefano Denswil (played CL football for Ajax) is also injured, as are new signing Ibini (winger) and young attacking midfielder Sander Coopman.
On top of that, regulars Oscar Duarte and Victor Vazquez are struggling with minor injuries but are expected to play (at least part of the game).
Expected lineup:
————————Bruzzese
-Cools—Mechele-Duarte-De Bock— Bolingoli
——————Simons-Vormer
————————Vazquez
———————Diaby--Dierckx
GK: 1st choice goalkeeper Sinan Bolat has only just returned from injury and hasn’t played a game yet. I’d be surprised if he’s in goal against Utd. Backup Bruzzese has very good reactions and shot-stopping ability, but there’s a reason he’s been a backup for most of his career. He struggles to hold on to long shots and can be a liability in the air.
Defence: Cools is a young and very promising right back who has only just joined Club Brugge this summer from the Belgian 2nd division. He’s been very impressive so far but like most attacking minded young fullbacks/wingbacks still has to work on his defending. His lack of experience might show when he's defending against a higher level winger. There’s a decent possibility the manager chooses the experienced (but declining) fullback De Fauw ahead of him if he wants to play it ‘safe’.
Bolingoli on the other side is another young Belgian who’s very quick and has a knack for scoring goals, but his technique and defending isn’t on the same level. De Bock is the regular leftback but I expect him to play central if Club goes 3 at the back.
Duarte is probably our best defender, while Mechele is also a very good defender. Both are physical but not the quickest players. Duarte is Club Brugge’s main threat from set pieces.
Midfield: Simons and Vormer will do most of the running in central areas. Timmy Simons is the 38-year old captain who still has great stamina and the positional sense to protect the defence. He’s not the player he once was anymore, but can still do a job as defensive midfielder. He’s been playing in defence too recently, but with Club Brugge expected to chase the ball a lot, I’d think he’ll be needed in midfield. Vormer is a good all-round footballer with incredible stamina and mentality. Can be a goal-threat too thanks to his relentless box-to-box running.
Victor Vazquez then, by far the most gifted footballer in this team and in the Belgian league as a whole. He’s a creative attacking midfielder who came through the Barcelona youth system as one of the most promising players, before a bad knee injury ruined his chances. He’s still a fantastic player but struggles with the physical side of the game. He’s playing through some injury/discomfort now too, so still doubtful if he starts. He’s the player who has the genius to create a goal (or chance) out of nothing. (Example below)
Attack: In attack, Diaby is a certainty. He’s very quick, but sometimes a bit too hasty in his actions which leads to him losing the ball. Scored regularly last year but has been struggling to convert his chances this season so far. Still, his pace could cause problems on the break, certainly if he’s up against Blind.
The other attacker could be anyone from Dierckx, De Sutter or Oulare.
Dierckx is a young, tricky winger/forward who has excelled after getting his chance due to the many injuries. His performances in recent weeks might have earned him a start at Old Trafford.
Tom De Sutter would be the ‘safe’ option. He’s a tall targetman who relies on his allround game rather than having one specific quality. He’ll leave for Bursaspor after the games against Utd so you’d think he’d start on the bench.
Obbi Oulare is probably the most talented striker. Even Smalling would struggle against him on his day, but he can only play about 30-40 minutes with decent intensity. Would be a good sub after 60 minutes.
Man Utd clear favourites in this tie, also helped by the incredible injury crisis in the Club Brugge squad. Having watched almost all of both teams’ games I honestly believe Club Brugge at full strength would have been a very difficult opponent for the current Man Utd. I still doubt it will be a trashing now, but you just don’t replace 5-6 of your best players without losing quality.
If Utd keep struggling to create chances, Club Brugge still has the players and mentality to upset them.
Will be interesting to see how they cope with the higher pace of Utd. I expect Club Brugge to choose a very cautious and defensive approach. The lack of wingers might allow Man Utd's fullbacks a lot of space to get forward though. Club Brugge is very good at home, so I'd expect Van Gaal to try and get a big win on Tuesday, knowing the importance of qualifying.
Btw, keep in mind that 'You'll never walk alone' is sung at every Club Brugge game, has nothing to do with Liverpool.
I'll end this ridiculously long post with a wave to the members of Club Brugge's forum reading this. They'll certainly be upset about this post again
Why does he play so sporadically? I noticed this last season when I would occasionally check the Belgian league stats and such. Is his stamina that weak?
Maybe his age has something to do with it? He's only 19.
Deniz Aytekin
replaced by Javier Hernandez
replaced by Bastian Schweinsteiger
replaced by Marouane Fellaini
