Bordeaux – Club Brugge 20.09.2012

Extending the unbeaten run to eight games will not be enough for Bordeaux unless they can beat Club Brugge, a team that arrive in France without a number of key players.

Bordeaux experienced major problems when Laurent Blanc left the club to take over as France manager, but the team have finally found some stability under former Sochaux boss Francois Gillot. The experienced coach needed some time to make this team his own, but les Girondins finally clicked during the season finale and went on to win last six league games. Bordeaux continued the new campaign in similar manner, beating Evian and Rennes before recording a 3-2 aggregate victory over Red Star in the Europa League. Les Girondins meanwhile managed to bring one point from Parc des Princes despite being severely weakened in that game, proving they have matured a great deal over the last few months. The hosts are expected to take the Brugge game very seriously and that should be enough to record a comfortable victory.

Club Brugge have enjoyed a bright start to the season, recording a double win over Debrecen to reach Europa League group stages, while picking up 17 from possible 21 points in Belgian Jupiler Pro League. The problem is that the team cannot be judged by the good showings in such a weak competition, and I can see them experiencing big problems against very good Bordeaux side. There is another important reason why I seriously doubt Brugge can get something from this game and that is the absence of some key players. Their top scorer, starting centre-back pairing, and few more first team regulars are out through injury, which is going to be a huge problem.

Host will have advantage on home field and they are close to victory in this match.