English champions Leicester venture into the unknown of the Champions League on Wednesday night as they visit Belgian champions, Club Brugge. In truth, both sides have started their defences of their domestic crown in poor fashion.
A trip to Belgian is not the hardest task that the Foxes could have faced in the group stages. Club Brugge are vastly more experienced in European football competition, but most of that experience has been gathered in the Europa League of late.
Brugge’s start to their domestic campaign will give hope to Leicester that they can gain a positive result in Belgium. Brugge has won just two of their first six games in the Belgian top-flight and currently lie tenth in their league, having suffered three defeats. The Belgian champions have in fact failed to win in their last three games, losing two in the process.
That is unlikely to be enough to strike fear into the hearts of the Foxes players. Most of the Leicester squad have not played in the Champions League before, so it will be a new experience, but I am sure it will be an exciting one for everybody connected with the club.
The important thing for Claudio Ranieri’s side is to win all their home games, but positive results away from home can be the key to topping the group.
A draw away from home would not a terrible result for Ranieri’s team. In fact, it would be a good result and a solid foundation from which the Foxes can build their qualification upon.
Leicester’s poor start to their campaign continued with a 4-1 hammering at Liverpool on Saturday, which means they have just one win from four games this season.
However, with Club Brugge in unconvincing form the Foxes have real hope that they can go to Belgium and come home with at least a point.