Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Conference League match.
Both clubs finished the regular season in adjacent positions, with only goal difference determining which team would play in the additional round and which could rest during those days. Cercle Brugge finished slightly higher, so they start the next round away from home.
Jagiellonia Białystok
Jagiellonia Białystok are also in contention for the domestic title they currently hold. European competitions have not affected their domestic performance despite a congested schedule. Since the winter break, they have mainly achieved success at home, winning four out of their last five matches. Their only away victory in this period came against Bačka Topola from Serbia in the Conference League knockout round (3:1). However, they did not win their other three away matches, so they must work to secure a positive result in the upcoming match.
Cercle Brugge
In the Belgian Pro League, unlike in the Polish Ekstraklasa, teams rarely climb from the bottom to contend for medals. In the Pro League, an established group of teams regularly participates in European competitions. Cercle Brugge joined this group last season by finishing fourth. This season, however, they have struggled with the dual demands. Now, they are focused on avoiding the relegation play-off group, which will decide the single top-flight spot for the following season. We believe that Ferdinand Feldhofer, who took charge in December, will prioritise the first European match given the circumstances in the league.
Jagiellonia Białystok vs Cercle Brugge Prediction
Cercle Brugge are expected to adopt a conservative approach. Nine out of their last ten matches have finished with Total Under. We expect few goals, and Jagiellonia Białystok are capable of avoiding defeat in this context.
