By Alex Roberts
Metropolis’s 4-2 capitulation in opposition to PSG of their earlier fixture was considerably offset by a 3-1 Premier League win over Chelsea over the weekend however the cracks had been nonetheless seen, and so they’ll should work onerous to get the higher of Membership Brugge.
The Belgian membership presently sit twentieth, 5 locations above Metropolis within the new-look league section desk, and have claimed a Premier League scalp already, beating Aston Villa 1-0 again in early November 2024.
A rocky begin for Abdukodir Khusanov
The Uzbek centre-back wasn’t at his greatest on his debut. A transparent miscommunication between himself and Ederson allowed for Chelsea to open the scoring after simply three minutes via Noni Madueke.
Khusanov allowed the ball to bounce whereas below immense stress from Nicolas Jackson, heading it again to his ‘keeper but it surely was too gentle, and the striker latched on to it earlier than laying it off to Madueke.
Guardiola admitted it was a baptism of fireside for the 20-year-old having hooked him off within the 54th minute, however a comparatively low-pressure recreation in opposition to Membership Brugge is likely to be the right alternative to ease him in just a little.
Struggled within the Prem, thriving in Belgium
When Norwich signed Greek winger Christos Tzolis from PAOK in 2021, they thought they had been choosing up certainly one of Europe’s hottest prospects, and for good motive, he was tearing it up again in his dwelling nation.
Sadly for everybody concerned it didn’t work out, and he was finally offered to Fortuna Dusseldorf, the place he scored 24 objectives and supplied eight assists in his 37 video games throughout all competitions.
Now at Membership Brugge, and nonetheless solely 22-years-old, he’s continued his nice type, bagging 19 purpose contributions in his 33 video games thus far. Tzolis’ confidence is brimming, Metropolis must be cautious.
An surprising Kyle Walker alternative
Kyle Walker is gone, becoming a member of AC Milan on mortgage for the remainder of the season, having spent seven-and-a-half years at Metropolis, successful 19 trophies within the course of and establishing himself as arguably the very best right-back in Premier League historical past. With apologies to Gary Neville.
Though he hadn’t precisely set the world alight for Metropolis this season, he shall be missed, and Guardiola must work out the right way to fill his void. Matheus Nunes has stepped up for his or her final three video games and performed a reasonably good job.
Towards Chelsea he was certainly one of their stand-out performers, offering the help for Joško Gvardiol’s equaliser, successful 100% of his tackles, and making eight defensive actions. He might not be there eternally, however he’s doing nicely within the meantime.
Hans Vanaken rolling again the years
In footballing phrases, for those who’re 32, you’re basically on life help. OK, that is likely to be just a little harsh, however in a world the place 17-year-old’s can develop into among the finest on this planet – we’re you Lamine Yamal – Vanaken is an elder statesman.
He earned the participant of the match award of their 0-0 draw with Juventus, a aspect who beat Man Metropolis 2-0 earlier within the season, in Brugge’s earlier Champions League recreation.
It was a reasonably boring contest, however the attacking midfielder shined, creating one probability, having 2/3 profitable dribbles, and made seven passes into the ultimate third. Contemplating Metropolis aren’t the very best defensively in the intervening time, he’s one other they should control.
Prediction
Nevertheless surprising it could be to see Metropolis get knocked out of the Champions League so quickly, it truly is unlikely to occur. Towards Membership Brugge, on the Etihad, we’re going to go together with a 4-0 win for the house aspect.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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