 |
|
UEFA Champions League Preview: FC Bruges v Juventus (Group A) [Tue Sep 13th, 2005]
Both sides come into this game full of confidence after a good start to their domestic campaigns and will look to do the same in the UEFA Champions League. Whilst Bayern and Juventus are seen by many as group favourites, Bruges will be keen to cause an upset at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
BACKGROUND
Bruges failed to make an impact in the Champions League last season but were successful domestically, claiming their 13th Belgian title against rivals Anderlecht.
The Belgian champions have started the new campaign with a new coach and captain. Norwegian coach Trond Sollied left for Greece's Olympiakos in the summer, after having lead the team to their second league title in three seasons.
His successor Jan Ceulemans has signed a three-year contract and will be keen to follow in Sollied’s footsteps. Bruges captain and key player Timmy Simons has joined Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven in the close season, leaving a huge gap in the team. Slovenian midfielder Nastja Ceh has also left, along with defenders David Marek Rozenhal and Peter Van der Heyden.
Like their opponents Juventus, Bruges have been busy in the transfer market this summer, looking for replacements to their squad. They have captured several experienced players, including Belgian midfielders Sven Vermant from Schalke and Gregory Dufer from Caen.
Belgian defender Joos Valgaeren is one of the more familiar faces, joining on a free transfer from Celtic, while Croatian international midfielder Ivan Leko arrives on a three-year contract. Real Madrid starlet Javier Portillo has arrived on loan and will be looking to impress with his new side.
Bruges are massive underdogs in this clash and can play without the expectation that more established European teams face in this competition. The recent history of the Champions League has shown that it is possible for even the most unlikely teams to progress to the latter stages and even win the competition. Porto and Monaco are examples of teams that have defied expectations and Bruges will be keen to emulate their achievements this term.
It is still to early to tell just how Juventus will play as the Serie A season has only just begun, however things look good for Juve. Many critics have already tipped the Turin side for in their last match in Serie A. Juve beat Empoli 4-0 away from home to underline their quality.
The Bianconeri strengthened in all areas during the summer and brought in some talented players that will make the Serie A champions even stronger. Patrick Vieira was by far the most unexpected and impressive piece of transfer business to take place in the summer, and his arrival at Juventus has given the club a huge lift.
On paper, the Frenchman’s pairing with Emerson gives Juve the best midfield in the world. Whilst the likes of Kovac will add depth to the defensive department Mutu will add to the already fierce competition for attacking spots.
Capello has managed to add to the squad in key areas and now has at least two internationals for every position with four top quality strikers at his disposal. With all the talk abut Cassano’s arrival in Turin, Moggi once again managed a transfer shock with Vieira arriving from under the noses of several clubs that were reportedly interested.
TEAM NEWS
Bruges:
Stijn Stijnen replaces Tomislav Butina as the former is suffering from pneumonia and is unavailable for this clash. Philippe Clement misses the tie with a knee injury and will be replaced by Marek Spilar. Left sided defender Michael Kulkowski will miss out after picking up a thigh injury and will be sidelined for up to six weeks. Aston Villa flop Bosco Balaban looks set to partner Javier Portillo up front after bagging a brace in Croatia’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland last weekend.
Juventus:
With the exception of Buffon and Pessoto, Capello has a full squad to choose from. Del Piero is in contention after recovering from a muscular strain that kept him out of Italy’s World Cup qualifiers last week. Ibrahimovic looks set to continue his partnership with Trezeguet up front, whilst Vieira looks set to make his Champions League debut with the Bianconeri.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bruges:
Portillo is well known to Italian fans after his spell at Fiorentina last season. The Spaniard never really had the chance to show what he was capable of during his time there and will be anxious to show that he can deliver on the biggest stage, and a tie against Juventus doesn’t get much bigger. The Spanish starlet is mobile, alert and has a keen eye for goal.
Juventus:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has looked good so far this season for Juventus, but it is Vieira that could really make the difference against Bruges. The midfielder experience of such games will be vital if Capello’s men are to progress in the competition. In his last game Patrick scored his first goal for Juve and he will be looking to continue such form in the Champions League.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Bruges: Stijn Stijnen, Marek Spilar, Olivier De Cock, Birger Maertens, Joos Valgaeren, De Oliveira, Vermant, Duffer, Leko, Balaban, Portillo
Juventus (4-3-3): Abbiati, Pessotto, Thuram, F.Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Emerson, Vieria, Nedved, Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic.
Jamie Obertelli
News headlines from around the world.