Wednesday brings a crucial night of Champions League action, featuring Club Brugge versus Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen against Newcastle, among other key fixtures.
Club Brugge vs. Arsenal
Arsenal travels to Belgium to face Club Brugge, aiming to maintain their strong start in the Champions League, despite a recent setback in the Premier League. The Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday, reducing their lead at the top of the Premier League table to two points. Manager Mikel Arteta views the match against Club Brugge as an opportunity to regain stability.
Club Brugge is currently struggling, sitting 26th in the Champions League standings. Their poor form led to the sacking of manager Nicky Hayen on Monday, with Ivan Leko returning to manage the club. Club Brugge also faces a significant injury crisis, potentially missing up to nine players for the match against Arsenal. Long-term injuries have sidelined Ludovit Reis, Lynnt Audoor, and Zaid Romero. Jorne Spileers and Mamadou Diakhon are likely to miss the game due to illness, while Romeo Vermant is undergoing concussion protocols, and Kyriani Sabbe is battling a groin issue. Despite these challenges, Arsenal will need to be wary as Club Brugge demonstrated their capabilities with a 3-3 draw against Barcelona last month. There is a possibility that William Saliba could return to the Arsenal squad. Leandro Trossard is a doubt for the match in his home country.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle
Bayer Leverkusen will host Newcastle United, with both teams vying for a crucial win to boost their chances of advancing to the Round of 16. Leverkusen's coach, Kasper Hjulmand, has expressed his team's determination to secure a victory. Newcastle currently sits a point above Leverkusen in the Champions League table.
Leverkusen's recent form has been inconsistent, with a strong showing in Europe contrasted by struggles in the Bundesliga. They are currently fourth in the Bundesliga but have lost two of their last three domestic matches, including a 2-0 defeat to Augsburg. Newcastle, meanwhile, is currently mid-table in the Premier League but is unbeaten in their last three games, scoring eight goals in the process. Newcastle has won both prior meetings against Leverkusen, securing 3-1 victories home and away in the 2002/03 Champions League group stage.
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
In another highly anticipated match, Real Madrid will face Manchester City. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly under pressure, with rumors suggesting he could be sacked if the team does not achieve a positive result against City. Real Madrid has struggled recently, with three draws and two losses in their last seven games. They also had three players sent off in their recent match against Celta Vigo. Eder Militao has been added to an injury list that already includes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen. Manchester City, on the other hand, seems to be regaining their form, with three straight wins and 11 goals scored in those matches.
