This week we’re looking ahead to the new Jupiler Pro League season with a specific focus on Club Brugge. The bookies have the 18-time champions as favourites in the football odds, but can they improve on last season’s disappointing fourth-place finish?
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Jupiler Pro League: Can Brugge Bounce Back?
Club Brugge’s three-year title-winning streak came to an abrupt halt last season as they registered their worst Jupiler Pro League finish in over a decade (4th in 2011). They now face an uphill battle in an increasingly competitive league, with Antwerp, Genk and Union Saint-Gilloise all proving they’re here for the long run.
The rebuild is on under Ronny Deila, who is facing a race against time to undo the damage of former head coach Scott Parker, who was sacked after just 12 matches. The former Celtic and Standard Liege manager has already begun taking decisive action.
Noa Lang was once considered the future of the club but has recently been shipped to PSV, while Clinton Mata has also been ousted and is on his way to Lyon. The sales have afforded enough wiggle room in the budget to bring in a new crop of young talent including Igor Thiago, Hugo Vetlesen and Michal Skoras.
If there is one thing Club Brugge have typically nailed, it’s talent acquisition. They have been a conveyor belt for emerging talents, many of which have gone on to perform in Europe’s biggest leagues. Deila will be hoping his new-look squad will have the perfect blend of experience and youth to get them back challenging at the top.
Club Brugge Key Players
Hans Vanaken might be into his 30s but is showing no signs of slowing. The midfielder registered another 14 goals and 7 assists in all competitions last campaign, taking his total tally to 115 goals and 80 assists for the club. The Belgian consistently pops up with crucial goals and is their go-to man for a bit of leadership on the pitch.
Deila will be hoping former Barcelona academy graduate Ferran Jutgla can improve on a solid first season in Belgium. He scored 15 goals and notched up 8 assists across all competitions, including four goal contributions in the Champions League. He will now be supported by former Barcelona Atletic teammate Victor Barbera, with the promising 18-year-old joining Brugge on a free transfer.
Jupiler Pro League: Brugge Betting Odds
Club Brugge are currently leading the odds to lift the Jupiler Pro League trophy at 2.75. Here are the top five favourites:
Club Brugge – 2.75
Antwerp – 3.50
Genk – 4.50
Union Saint-Gilloise – 8.00
Gent – 9.00
Here are the odds on the five favourites to claim a top three finish:
Club Brugge – 1.20
Antwerp – 1.25
Genk – 1.50
Union Saint-Gilloise – 1.90
Gent – 2.10
*Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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