On Sunday afternoon, Cercle Brugge host Club Brugge in a local derby that could be vital at both ends of the Jupiler Pro League in Belgium.
Cercle Brugge heads into Sunday’s derby in a perilous position in the Belgian top-flight table, just three points above the relegation play-off spot.
Despite their relatively lowly position in the standings, Cercle have been in good form of late in the Belgian top-flight. In fact, they were on a run of four straight league wins until a 3-2 defeat at Union Saint-Gilloise.
However, a trend the home team maintained last time out was a prolific one, as Cercle Brugge have now scored at least two goals in their previous five league matches.
Dominik Thalhammer’s team have won just two of their last ten home matches. However, those two victories have been in their last two league games on home soil.
Their recent home matches in the Belgian top-flight have been high-scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in five of their last seven league matches on home soil.
Reigning champions Club Brugge currently find themselves second-place in the table and six points behind surprise league leaders Union Saint-Gilloise. Like their neighbours, the visitors head into this game on a decent recent run of league form.
Philippe Clement’s team has also been prolific of late in the Belgian top-flight, scoring at least two goals in seven of their last eight outings.
Versatile youngster Charles De Ketelaere has played a big part in Club Brugge’s attacking efforts this season, scoring nine times in 20 league matches this season.
The champions have a decent recent away record in the Belgian top-flight, as they have won three of their last four league games on their travels.
Forebet predicts that Club Brugge will emerge victorious from this derby clash to boost their chances of retaining their crown.