Manchester City vs Club Brugge Prediction
Few would have predicted this, but in the first year of the new Champions League format, Manchester City, who were the pre-season favourites to win the tournament, find themselves outside the automatic qualification spots with just one game to go.
City must secure a win and hope for favourable results elsewhere to finish in the top 24 and move on to the knockout stages. Their current form, especially defensively, makes this a tough ask. Meanwhile, Club Brugge arrive unbeaten in their last 20 games across all competitions, which includes a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in November.
Brugge technically need only a draw to ensure progression, but even a loss will likely see them through. With less pressure on them, they can play freely. Manchester City’s defensive struggles this season suggest they might need to focus on their attacking strengths. We expect City to edge through, but it will be a close contest.
Predicted Score: Manchester City 2 – 1 Club Brugge
Manchester City vs Club Brugge: Preview & Prediction
Manchester City host Club Brugge on Tuesday evening in a crucial clash. Both teams aim to secure progression to the Champions League knockout rounds.
- Date: 29 January 2025
- Kick-off time: 20:00
- Venue: Etihad Stadium
Manchester City have had an unusual season. They started as favourites for both the Premier League and Champions League, but things took a sharp turn. By Christmas, their Premier League odds were 33/1, and a chaotic 4-2 defeat to PSG left them hanging on in the Champions League.
Despite winning just two of their seven matches so far, the new format means City are still sixth favourites (10/1) to win the tournament, ahead of clubs like PSG, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid. Their immediate challenge is clear: beat Club Brugge and hope for the best.
Brugge currently sit five places above City in the Champions League standings. They have built their campaign on solid defence, earning two 1-0 victories over Sturm Graz and Celtic while creating chances as well. In their domestic league, they are just three points behind leaders Genk and remain unbeaten in their last 20 matches across all competitions.
Where to Watch
The game will air live on TNT Sports 2.
Team News
Manchester City
City have no new injury concerns following their recent win over Chelsea. However, several key players remain unavailable, including Ruben Dias, Rodri, Nathan Ake, and Oscar Bobb. Jeremy Doku’s injury is more serious than expected, and he will also miss out. John Stones, rested against Chelsea, is expected to return to the starting line-up.
Club Brugge
Brugge fans will see familiar faces like Simon Mignolet, formerly of Liverpool, and Christos Tzolis, who once played for Norwich City. They have no injury issues to report. Star full-back Maxim De Cuyper, who has drawn interest from Europe’s top clubs, was rested for the first half of their previous game and should start here.
Form Guide
Manchester City
Last season, City lost just three Premier League games and finished with 91 points, two ahead of Arsenal. This season, they have already suffered six defeats. Their defensive struggles are a major factor, as their goals conceded per game have risen from 0.89 to 1.3. Meanwhile, their attacking output has dropped from 2.52 goals per game to 2.04.
Sunday’s 3-1 win over Chelsea was vital, lifting them to fourth place after a tough spell. However, defensive lapses remain an issue. Against Chelsea, new signing Abdukodir Khusanov’s weak header allowed Noni Madueke to score early on, though City recovered well. Another recent signing, Omar Marmoush, showed promise and contributed to the team’s improved second-half performance.
Looking ahead, City have a packed schedule. They face Arsenal on Sunday before a less demanding cup match against Leyton Orient the following week.
Club Brugge
Club Brugge are enjoying a strong season, sitting second in their domestic league with 14 wins, six draws, and three losses. They boast the best goal difference in the league (+26) and remain in the title race with Genk, who they also meet in the Belgian Cup semi-finals.
Their recent form includes three wins and two draws from their last five league matches. However, the packed schedule has forced manager Nicky Hayen to rotate his squad. Players like Brandon Mechele and Hans Vanaken have been regular starters across both domestic and European matches, raising concerns about fatigue.
Their last league outing was a frustrating 1-1 draw against Kortrijk. Despite dominating possession and creating three big chances, Brugge relied on a penalty to score. In their prior Champions League game against Juventus, they managed only seven shots, none on target, in a dull 0-0 draw. However, their defensive organisation remained a highlight, and they almost stole a late winner through Gustaf Nilsson.
