Friday, November 22, 2024

Sturm Graz v Club Brugge: Champions League Preview

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Sturm Graz v Club Brugge: Champions League Preview

Club Brugge go into what, on paper at least, is their most winnable game in this seasons Champions league having suffered a run of three poor results. After a 3-0 defeat in their opening clash with Dortmund, the defending Belgian champions will hope to turn things around against their Austrian opponents. Sturm Graz also lost their first game of the newly revamped competition, having suffered a 2-1 defeat away to French side Brest.

Domestically, the defending Bundesliga champions have picked up where they left off. After eight games in the Austrian top flight they sit in first place, with five wins, one draw and two defeats. Their big rivals for the title RB Salzburg are three points behind them but do have two games in hand. Sturm Graz have scored 14 goals in their eight games this season, while also conceding 10. Club will hope to take advantage of this slightly open defence on Wednesday evening.

The Belgian side will have to look out for Mika Biereth up front, who has grabbed five goals in 11 games already this season. Slovenian midfielder Jon Gorenc-Stankovic has also started the season well, grabbing three assists in the league. However, he is set to miss the clash after suffering an injury at the weekend which could keep him out for 10 weeks.

Following their clash with Sturm Graz, Club face Milan away, Aston Villa at home and then Celtic away. If they hope to remain in the competition beyond the new league table format, they must pick up points on Wednesday evening.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

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