Kortrijk vs Cercle Brugge Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Belgian Pro League
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THE FACTS
When is Kortrijk vs Cercle Brugge on and what time does it start? Kortrijk vs Cercle Brugge will take place on Friday 29th September, 2023 – 19:45 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Kortrijk vs Cercle Brugge? Visit each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
Where can I watch Kortrijk vs Cercle Brugge in the UK? Kortrijk vs Cercle Brugge will not be televised live and cannot be streamed in the UK
THE LOWDOWN
KORTRIJK
Brother of Will Still, who has a growing reputation as Reims manager in Ligue 1, Edward Still is in charge of a Kortrijk side that are struggling in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League. There was an expectation before the season that they may be in danger with the league reducing in size from 18 to 16 teams ahead of this campaign.
They have started the 2023/24 season with just two points collected in their opening eight matches and begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting rock-bottom in the Belgian top-flight. Their most recent outing was a 1-0 loss away to fellow strugglers Sporting Charleroi last weekend, with Isaac Mbenza scoring a 32nd minute winner for the opposition.
CERCLE BRUGGE
After an impressive finish to last season, managing to break into the top eight and the end of season UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs, there is a confidence at Cercle Brugge that they can build upon that and even squeeze into a top six position, under the management of Miron Muslic, who has now been there for three seasons, his first being as assistant manager.
The former Ried boss has led Cercle to a start of four victories and four defeats in their opening eight matches. Those results are enough to begin the ninth match day sitting in the top six but they come into this on the back of back-to-back defeats. Firstly against newly-promoted, but impressive, RWDM and then a 2-0 loss at home to likely title challengers Union SG.
THE TEAM NEWS
KORTRIJK
The hosts remain without former Manchester City forward Thierry Ambrose due to injury, whilst David Henen is close to returning to full fitness ahead of this weekend.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Vandenberghe; Mampassi, Silva, Radovanovic; Ojo, Audoor, Kadri, Sissako, De Neve; El Idrissy, Avenatti
UNAVAILABLE: Ambrose (Injured), Challouk (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Henen (Injured)
CERCLE BRUGGE
Miron Muslic will have to deal with another unavailable player as Senna Miangue was sent off in their aforementioned loss to Union SG, leading to a subsequent suspension.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-2-1): Warleson; Utkus, Ravych, Daland; Siquet, Lopes, Van der Bruggen, Semedo; Minda, Somers; Denkey
UNAVAILABLE: Francis (Injured), Miangue (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Over the past few years, the Belgian Jupiler Pro League has been one of the most consistently attacking and entertaining leagues to watch in Europe. So, despite these two sides being at opposite ends of the table with very different goals and expectations for the campaign, it would be foolish to be bullish one way or another. What should be fairly certain is that Kortrijk sense a major opportunity to get at a Cercle side that have lost half of their matches this season. Given that, both teams scoring looks a good bet.
TIP: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
