Club Brugge KV vs Charleroi Match Preview

Club Brugge Failed to win the trophy in the Belgian Cup as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Antwerp in last Saturdays' final. It's worth mentioning that their opponents could have scored more goals if they were more effective in their final attempts. Club Brugge created little, actually, they were dangerous only in few moments of the game.

They are the big favorites for the title, however, they have to prove in the field that they deserve to defend their title. Club Brugge are still looking for a quality striker, they renewed the loan of K. Rezaei to Charleroi (he is not eligible tonight), as their manager decided that he is not ready for the first team. Center back M. Mitrovic is still unavailable, he also missed the Cup Final last weekend.

Charleroi was impressive last season, they deservedly won a place in the Europa League qualifiers finishing 3rd in the league. Their manager K. Belhocine who is credited most of this success has renewed his contract and he is lucky enough as his roster stayed almost untouched for this season. 

I expect to see a side with the same coherence as last season, their only important missing came from the sale of defender Núrio Fortuna to Gent. In his place they signed the Bulgarian I. Goranov from Levski Sofia, however, it is quite early to see him in the starting eleven. Newcomer midfielder G. Gillet is expected to help with his huge experience.

Champions Club Brugge are the undeniable favorites in this one, however, I expect Charleroi to fight hard. They are a tough side that can make several upsets for one more season. Given that this is the opening game for both teams in the league and the fact that virtually there is no home factor (all the matches in Belgium will be held behind closed doors), I cannot rule out an upset here. The away win is offered at juicy 5.50 odds.