Cercle Brugge vs Kilmarnock Prediction: Cercle Brugge is favored to win 2-0 at home against Kilmarnock, advancing 3-1 on aggregate in their Europa League qualifier.

The second leg of the Europa League second qualifying round tie between Cercle Brugge and Kilmarnock is set to take place on Thursday, August 1st at 7:00 PM local time. The match will be held at Jan Breydelstadion in Bruges, Belgium.

Match Preview

Cercle Brugge will be eager to bounce back from their league defeat and make home advantage count. The Belgian side showed their quality in patches during the first leg but will need to be more consistent over 90 minutes.

Kilmarnock, buoyed by their comeback in the first leg, will be hoping to cause an upset. The Scottish side is bringing over 3,000 fans to Belgium, which should create a vibrant atmosphere.

Both teams will be aware that a place in the third qualifying round is at stake, with the winner potentially facing either Molde or Silkeborg in the next round.

Cercle Brugge vs Kilmarnock Lineups and Team News

Cercle Brugge

Miron Muslic’s side comes into this match on the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Westerlo in their Belgian Pro League opener. The manager is likely to make changes and revert to a similar lineup that started the first leg.

Projected Cercle Brugge Lineup (4-3-3): Ouattara, Nazinho, Francis, Van der Bruggen, Somers, Warleson, Denkey, Olaigbe, Ravych, Utkus, Daland.

Edgaras Utkus and Abdoul Quattara are expected to return to the starting XI after being rested at the weekend. Kazeem Olaigbe, who scored in the first leg, should retain his place in attack.

Kilmarnock

Derek McInnes’ team has had over a week to prepare for this crucial encounter. The Scottish side showed resilience to come from behind in the first leg and will be hoping to build on that performance.

Projected Kilmarnock Lineup (4-2-3-1): Kennedy, Deas, Watson, Mayo, Vassell, Armstrong, Findlay, Wright, Donnelly, Lyons, McCrorie.

Marley Watkins could be in contention after missing the first leg due to injury. Kyle Vassell, who scored the equalizer last week, is expected to lead the line once again.

Injury Report and Unavailable Players

Cercle Brugge:

  • Thibo Somers – Doubtful (ankle injury)
  • Hannes Van der Bruggen – Questionable (fitness concerns)

Kilmarnock:

  1. Marley Watkins – Late fitness test (undisclosed injury)
  2. Brad Lyons – Out (knee injury)
  3. Liam Donnelly – Suspended (accumulation of yellow cards)

These injury and suspension updates are based on the latest information available from the clubs. Both managers may provide more details in their pre-match press conferences.

Key Players to Watch

Cercle Brugge: Kazeem Olaigbe The young winger scored a superb goal in the first leg and will be crucial to Cercle’s attacking threat. His pace and dribbling ability could cause problems for the Kilmarnock defense.

Kilmarnock: Kyle Vassell The experienced striker showed his importance with the equalizer in the first leg. His hold-up play and ability to bring others into the game will be vital for Kilmarnock’s chances.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

The 1-1 draw last week was the first-ever meeting between these two sides.

Cercle Brugge’s form: D-L (Europa League and Belgian Pro League) Kilmarnock’s form: D (Europa League)

Current Situation

The tie is delicately poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Rugby Park last week. Kazeem Olaigbe gave Cercle Brugge the lead before Kyle Vassell equalized for Kilmarnock. With the away goals rule no longer in effect, the winner of this match will advance to the third qualifying round.

Where to Watch Cercle Brugge vs Kilmarnock Live?

For viewers in various countries, here are the confirmed TV channels and streaming options:

  • Belgium: VTM GO, VTM 2
  • Slovakia: Arena Sport 1 Slovakia
  • International: Official Club Channel Away

Fans in other countries are advised to check their local listings closer to kick-off time.

Who Will Win?

Given Cercle Brugge’s home advantage and the disappointment of their league defeat, they will be determined to progress. However, Kilmarnock showed resilience in the first leg and cannot be underestimated.

The match is likely to be closely contested, but Cercle Brugge’s technical quality may prove decisive over 90 minutes.

Cercle Brugge vs Kilmarnock Prediction: Cercle Brugge 2-0 Kilmarnock (Cercle Brugge to advance 3-1 on aggregate)

This tie promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams desperate for European progression. With everything to play for, fans can expect an intense and hard-fought encounter at Jan Breydelstadion.

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