We are one last set of matches away from knowing who is going to be in the Champions League group stage. Some of the ties have been largely one-sided so far, but most of them are still close enough that things can go either way. One of those, potentially, is Club Brugge against Manchester United -- the English side hold a 3-1 aggregate lead over their Belgian counterparts, but the match is being played in Belgium, so the home edge could be decisive for this tie.
Club Brugge vs. Manchester United live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Winning this tie and earning a spot in the group stage is huge for both teams. Manchester United want to show that the David Moyes “era” that kept them out of it last season was a blip. Club Brugge want to take another step forward after their impressive Europa League run last season, but they have a huge task to get there. They looked good in the first leg, but still lost 3-1 in England. Can they change that story in Belgium? Who knows. But we’re going to find out.
Key question -- Can Brugge mount a comeback?
They’ve got the advantage of home soil and even snagged an away goal, but -- jeez, this doesn’t look likely for the Belgians. It’d be the Cinderella story to end all Cinderella stories if they pull it off and knock Manchester United out of the Champions League, but with a two-goal deficit and the Red Devils carrying a huge talent edge, they’ve got a huge mountain to climb. It’s not a zero-chance task they’re facing in this match, but it’s not far off it.
Key player -- Morgan Schneiderlin (Manchester United)
As much as it will be good and useful for Manchester to score a ton of goals, they first and foremost need to keep Club Brugge from scoring any. Their defense will have to be on high alert for that task, and that effort of stopping Brugge’s attack starts with the shield of that defense, which is Schneiderlin. He’s one of the finest defensive midfielders in England and in Europe, and that quality will be front and center for United’s efforts to secure that much-needed Champions League group stage place.
Club Brugge injuries and suspensions
Out: Thomas Meunier (knee), Lior Refaelov (foot), Bernie Ibini-Isei (leg), Nicolas Castillo (knee) In doubt: Timmy Simons (thigh)
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Phil Jones (blood clot), David De Gea (coach’s decision), Victor Valdes (coach’s decision) In doubt: none
The only big change in this injury situation from last week is Timmy Simons, who had to leave last week’s match with a thigh injury. He’s a strong doubt to play. Otherwise, it’s the same tale -- Brugge are without their best fullback and two vital members of their attacking rotation. Manchester are still missing Phil Jones because of a blood clot, and both David De Gea and Victor Valdes are out thanks to the continuing goalkeeper drama at Old Trafford.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Jan Breydelstadion, Brugge, Belgium
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), 2BE, Club RTL (Belgium), TSN 1, 4, RDS (Canada), BT Sport Europe (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2 Go, Fox Sports Go, Watch ESPN, Sling TV (U.S.),
SB Nation presents: The Champions League explained in two minutes
See More:
