Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Seeking an immediate Champions League response on Wednesday night, Arsenal will travel over to Belgium when they meet Club Brugge.
Club Brugge
Starting with the hosts, relinquishing their domestic crown last season, Club Brugge faced what was a hefty amount of backlash over the summer. However, although Nicky Hayen’s side might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign with recapturing their Pro League title, the Belgium giants have once again shown some real cause for concern. Last seen over the weekend falling to an action-packed defeat away at St. Truiden, Brugge have now lost three of their previous four appearances across all competitions and they look set for what will be another heavyweight examination here. Likewise, heading into November’s international break with a 1-0 loss against historic foes Anderlecht, Hayen’s men have also shown some major issues on the continent. Hit with a 3-0 drumming against Sporting Lisbon a fortnight ago, Wednesday’s hosts have a real battle on their hands in the race to book a knockout stage ticket.
Club Brugge Team News
Suffering yet another injury setback last week and missing out against St. Truiden over the weekend, Club Brugge are once again expected to be without former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Likewise, not featuring since the end of October, summer recruit and ex-Hamburger midfielder Ludovit Reis here.
Once again heavily linked with a potential Premier League switch ahead of the January transfer window, Nigerian starlet Raphael Onyedika will start in the middle of the park. Receiving plenty of plaudits over the past 12 months, 21-year-old Joel Ordonez will start at the heart of Brugge’s defence.
Arsenal
As for the visitors, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Aston Villa over the weekend as they eventually left the Midlands with a 2-1 loss, Arsenal are desperately seeking an immediate response here. Missing out on the chance to widen their buffer over the chasing pack and suffering just a second Premier League defeat of the season, Mikel Arteta’s men should be excited to turn their attention back to European duties. Last seen collecting a heavyweight Champions League scalp in north London as they stormed their way to an empathic 3-1 victory against Bayern Munich, Arsenal are widely regarded as a genuine European contender this season. In fact, winning all of their first five Champions League showdowns by an aggregate score of 14-1, the Gunners are the only club who can boast a 100% record and they should be excited by a trip to Belgium in midweek.
Arsenal Team News
Dealing with another knee injury, Arsenal have already confirmed that Germany international Kai Havertz will once again miss out on Wednesday night. Likewise, in what is a huge blow for the Gunners, defensive talisman Gabriel Magalhaes remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue and will not travel to Belgium.
Coming off the bench and bagging a consolation strike away at Aston Villa over the weekend, former Brighton ace Leandro Trossard could be handed a full recall. Recently returning from a hamstring injury, big-money summer recruit Viktor Gyokeres could make a first competitive start since November 1st.
Club Brugge vs Arsenal Key Factors to Consider
- Wednesday’s showdown in Belgium will be the first official meeting between Club Brugge and Arsenal.
- The Gunners have won all of their first five Champions League appearances by an aggregate score of 14-1.
- In fact, Arsenal are the only club in this season’s tournament who can boast a 100% start to proceedings.
- Club Brugge have lost three of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
- England international Bukayo Saka has registered three direct goal contributions in his first four Champions League appearances (two goals, one draw).
Conclusion
Suffering last-gasp domestic heartbreak over the weekend as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss against Aston Villa, Arsenal will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, embarking on what has been a sensational Champions League romp so far, Arteta’s side have won all of their first five European showdowns by an aggregate score of 14-1 and they are the only club from across the continent who can boast a 100% start to proceedings. Meeting a Brugge squad who have shown some real cause for concern since returning from November’s international break, we are expecting a routine away victory in midweek.
Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
