LIVE: De Cuyper and Skov Olsen on the bench at Club, Minda in the starting line-up at Cercle

Because both Cercle Brugge and Club Brugge were able to qualify for the Champions’ Play-offs, two additional Bruges derbies are scheduled for this season. And so immediately on the first day of play.

For Club Brugge it will be the first match under new coach Nicky Hayen, who took over from the dismissed Ronny Deila. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is still absent at Club after dropping out for the second time against STVV.

Often a draw in the Bruges derby

Cercle Brugge qualified for the Champions’ Play-offs on the last matchday of the regular competition and can become a judge for the title. Although the men of Miron Muslic also want a European ticket.

The international break did result in an injury to Alan Minda, although he was able to train again. The Ecuadorian could perhaps still come on in the Bruges derby.

The last three Bruges derbies each ended in a draw. Club last won 4-0 in September 2022, Cercle won 2-0 in December 2021. Which Bruges team will start the play-offs best?