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On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 8 pm UK time, Club Brugge will host Borussia Dortmund at Jan Breydel Stadium in their opening Champions League group-stage fixture. Borussia Dortmund, runners-up in last year’s tournament, will look to start strong, while Club Brugge aim to cause an upset in front of their home crowd.

The Significance of the Match

Borussia Dortmund, one of the favourites for this year’s competition, are under new management but retain their high expectations after reaching the final last season. Club Brugge, Belgian champions, will look to re-establish themselves in Europe’s top competition after missing out last season. Both sides have faced each other before, with Dortmund holding the upper hand historically, but Brugge’s strong home record in European competitions cannot be overlooked.

Venue and Time

• Location: Jan Breydel Stadium, Bruges
• Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
• Kickoff Time: 8 pm (UK time)

Team Analysis

Borussia Dortmund’s Current Form

Under new head coach Nuri Sahin, Borussia Dortmund have had an unbeaten start to the new season, including a recent 4-2 victory over Heidenheim in the Bundesliga. Sahin, just 36 years old, will be looking to build on the success of last year’s campaign and lead Dortmund to further success in the Champions League.

Karim Adeyemi has been in excellent form, scoring five goals for Germany’s Under-21s and adding two more in the Bundesliga. Serhou Guirassy, the summer signing, is also pushing for a start, having made his first appearance after returning from injury.

Key Player: Karim Adeyemi
Adeyemi’s pace and finishing ability make him Dortmund’s primary attacking threat. He has started the season brightly and will be looking to continue his rich vein of form.

Team News
Dortmund could be without Gio Reyna, who is nursing a groin injury. Yan Couto returned from injury in the Heidenheim match, while Serhou Guirassy is fit to start.

Probable Starting Lineup:
Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Sule, Bensebaini; Can, Gross; Sabitzer, Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy.

Club Brugge’s Current Form

Club Brugge have enjoyed a solid start to the Belgian Pro League season under manager Nicky Hayen, who has guided the club to four wins from seven matches. Hans Vanaken, the captain, has been instrumental in their early success, with Brugge sitting top of the table.

Despite missing out on last year’s Champions League, Brugge reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by Fiorentina. At home, Brugge have been formidable, remaining unbeaten in European competition last season.

Key Player: Hans Vanaken
Vanaken’s leadership and goal contributions make him Brugge’s key man. His ability to dictate play from midfield will be essential in their hopes of upsetting Dortmund.

Team News
Bjorn Meijer and Casper Nielsen remain sidelined for Brugge, while Kyriani Sabbe is fit again. Andreas Skov Olsen will lead the attack, with teenager Chemsdine Talbi also in contention.

Probable Starting Lineup:
Mignolet; Seys, Mechele, Ordonez, De Cuyper; Onyedika, Vetlesen; Skov Olsen, Vanaken, Tzolis; Nilsson.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Match Prediction

While Borussia Dortmund are the stronger side on paper, Club Brugge’s home advantage and strong start to the season could make this a closer contest than expected.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Club Brugge 1-2 Borussia Dortmund.

Additional Betting Markets

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
   Brugge’s attacking strength at home combined with Dortmund’s firepower makes it likely that both teams will find the net.
2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
   With Dortmund’s potent attack and Brugge’s form at home, this match could see more than 2.5 goals.
3. First Team to Score: Borussia Dortmund
   Dortmund’s attacking depth should give them the edge in opening the scoring.
4. Karim Adeyemi to Score Anytime:
   Given his current form, Adeyemi is a strong candidate to find the back of the net.