Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Belgian Pro League match.
Both teams have had an inconsistent start to the season, but there is a clear favourite: Club Brugge have traditionally dominated this derby, especially when playing at home. They are unbeaten in the past eight head-to-head encounters, and current form also favours the hosts.
Club Brugge
After a 2:1 victory over Genk and a surprising 1:2 defeat against KV Mechelen, the squad regained confidence with a 1:0 away win against Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League. Club Brugge currently sit sixth in the Belgian Pro League standings, having suffered just one defeat in their last seven official home matches. The coach has a full complement of attacking options available, and the squad’s depth allows for effective rotation without a drop in quality. Their recent record against Cercle Brugge is also strong: two consecutive clean-sheet wins in the last two derbies.
Cercle Brugge
The team continues to struggle in front of goal. After two rounds, they have yet to score: a goalless draw with Dender followed by a 0:2 home defeat to RSC Anderlecht. It is evident that Cercle Brugge are finding it difficult to generate attacking opportunities, especially against well-organised defences. They have not secured a win at Jan Breydel Stadium since 2012 and have not beaten Club Brugge in league competition since 2010. While their defensive organisation has generally held up, the lack of attacking threat significantly undermines their prospects in this derby.
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge Prediction
Club Brugge are expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo from the outset. Considering the difference in quality, current form, and the fact that Cercle Brugge have yet to score this season, it seems unlikely the visitors will find the net. In their last four away games against Club Brugge, Cercle Brugge have failed to score. A clean sheet win for the hosts looks very realistic, but with the recent UEFA Champions League fixture in mind, we favour a more conservative market.
