CLUB BRUGGE
Nothing to lose
The good news for the Belgian champions is they have absolutely nothing to lose in Europe this season. The last time they appeared in the Champions League, in 2016-17, they finished bottom of their group, losing all six of their fixtures – against Leicester City, Porto and Copenhagen – and scored just two goals.
While a place in this season’s last 16 is a long shot, the men in blue-and-black will not be approaching the competition as sacrificial lambs.
Ivan Leko, who was rather surprisingly handed the job following the resignation of Michel Preud'homme, is a tactically shrewd coach and he has assembled a purposeful side that is not afraid to force the issue. All-out attack is what they do best – hence a goal difference of plus 40 in the Belgian championship last season.
Needing to watch their finances, they did not exactly set the transfer market alight in the summer, although they did spend € 26m on signings, with the newcomers including giant Croat keeper Karlo Letica from Hajduk Split, Genk front-runner Siebe Schrijvers and central midfielder Mats Rits of Mechelen.
How will Leko set up his side?
He normally goes with a fluid 3-5-2 formation, which often becomes a 3-4-3 when in possession. On occasion he has used a 4-3-3 and he has also been experimenting with a 4-4-2. Leko is never happier than when his side is stretching the play as much as possible, but will he be so brave in Europe?
Is Wesley in the right frame of mind at the moment?
The Brazilian has all the ingredients to be an exceptional centre-forward – he is big, strong, determined and a good finisher. However, he has been unsettled by transfer speculation and was banned for six games after being sent off against Mouscron in August for throwing an elbow at a defender.