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How Club Brugge could line up against Benfica

sportsmole.co.uk, 14 February 2023, 00:00
Club Brugge could be without three players when they welcome Benfica to the Jan Breydel Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

Canada international Tajon Buchanan has emerged as a doubt after sustaining a knock in the closing stages of last weekend's 1-1 league draw with Union SG.

Andreas Skov Olsen and Ferran Jutgla are also doubtful and will be assessed ahead of kickoff after missing Brugge's last match with respective hip and back problems.

Head coach Scott Parker is unlikely to make too many changes, if any, to his starting lineup, but the potential absence of Buchanan could see Antonio Nusa brought into the side to play on the right flank, joining Noa Lang and former Benfica striker Roman Yaremchuk in the front three.

Captain and key playmaker Hans Vanaken, who has contributed with eight goals and four assists in 25 Belgian Pro League games so far this season, is expected to continue in centre-midfield alongside Raphael Onyedika and Mats Rits.

In front of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, centre-back Abakar Sylla will be hoping to force his way into the first XI ahead of either Jack Hendry or Brandon Mechele, while Clinton Mata and Bjorn Meijer are set to retain their places at full-back.

Club Brugge possible starting lineup: Mignolet; Mata, Hendry, Mechele, Meijer; Rits, Onyedika, Vanaken; Buchanan, Yaremchuk, Lang

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