Club Brugge Set to Battle Barcelona: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Barcelona are looking to claim their third victory of the league phase as they travel to face Club Brugge in Wednesday night's Champions League encounter.

Hansi Flick's team recovered from their 2–1 El Clásico loss by defeating Elche 3–1 in La Liga over the weekend, though Real Madrid's commanding 4–0 triumph against Valencia keeps the Catalans trailing their rivals by five points at the top.

Their title defense campaign has faced challenges due to crucial injuries and external disruptions, but securing two additional victories before the season's third international break would position Barça favorably.

The five-time European champions suffered defeat against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in Gameweek 2, however wins against Newcastle United and Olympiacos have them positioned ninth in the league phase standings. Brugge, on the other hand, opened impressively by demolishing Monaco 4–1, but have since fallen in away fixtures to Atalanta and Bayern Munich.

In domestic competition, Nicky Hayen's squad trails Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian Pro League, having finished second to the Brussels club last campaign. This marks their first meeting with Barcelona since 2002.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the match.

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Club Brugge vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (All Games)

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Club Brugge Team News

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The home side suffered significant departures during the summer window and will be missing several key players for Barcelona's arrival.

First-choice keeper Simon Mignolet is expected to be unavailable due to a groin problem, while Ludovit Reis remains sidelined until after the international break with a shoulder injury. Raphael Onyedika, who made a strong impression in last season's competition alongside Ardon Jashari in the middle of the park, is also ruled out.

Christos Tzolis has emerged as a crucial figure for the home team following their summer exodus, and he represents the primary threat that Barça must neutralize to secure their third league phase victory in Belgium.

Club Brugge Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Club Brugge predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-1-4-1): Jackers; Sabbe, Ordóñez, Mechele, Seys; Stanković; Forbs, Audoor, Vanaken, Tzolis; Tresoldi.

Barcelona Team News

Barcelona's injury situation remains largely unchanged from Sunday's victory over Elche, with Pedri and Raphinha among their significant absentees.

Both players are anticipated to return following the international break, with the Brazilian winger experiencing a setback in his hamstring injury recovery prior to El Clásico. Pedri picked up his injury during the 2–1 loss to Real Madrid.

Andreas Christensen continues individual training as he progresses his recovery from a muscle problem, though the Danish defender hasn't been included in Flick's traveling party. Barcelona also remain without goalkeepers Joan García and Marc-André ter Stegen, plus midfielder Gavi.

Pau Cubarsí and Robert Lewandowski may return to the starting eleven after beginning Sunday's victory as substitutes.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Club Brugge

Barcelona predicted lineup vs. Club Brugge (4-2-3-1): Szczęsny; Koundé, Araújo, Cubarsí, Martín; Casadó, De Jong; Yamal, López, Rashford; Lewandowski.

Club Brugge vs. Barcelona Score Prediction

The Jan Breydelstadion presents a challenging venue under floodlights, as Monaco experienced in Gameweek 1, so we anticipate a weakened Barcelona squad will endure difficult spells during Wednesday's encounter.

Flick hasn't implemented major tactical changes, with the visitors benefiting from facing a similarly attacking-minded Elche side over the weekend. They'll concede opportunities to their hosts, and Brugge, energized by their home support, can deliver impressive offensive displays.

However, Champions League pedigree should ultimately prevail, similar to how Barça triumphed at St. James' Park in September. A clinical second-half performance could secure all three points for the Blaugrana.

Prediction: Club Brugge 1–3 Barcelona