Cercle Bruges vs Kilmarnock Prediction - Europa League

The matchup is currently tied. The first leg in Scotland ended in a 1-1 draw. Therefore, the winner of this return match will continue their journey towards qualification. If the game ends in another draw, the rules mandate a 30-minute extra time. Should the tie persist after extra time, the decision will come down to penalty shootouts.

Cercle Brugge and Kilmarnock are currently in the second round of the four stages in the Europa League qualification process. The victor of this tie will face the winner of the encounter between Molde from Norway and Silkeborg from Denmark. The prediction for a Cercle Brugge win is the recommendation for this Thursday’s second-leg quarter-final qualifier. In the over/under goals market, the suggestion is for the option above 2.5 goals scored.

Predictions for Cercle Brugge vs Kilmarnock

Cercle Brugge to win the match

Cercle Brugge had a rough start to the Belgian Championship.

In the opening round of the Jupiler League, Westerlo handed a stinging 3-0 defeat to their opponents. With more free time to prepare for Thursday’s encounter, Kilmarnock had the advantage as the Scottish Championship doesn’t start until the following weekend. Nonetheless, the superior technical quality of the squad and the home-ground advantage point towards a Cercle Bruges victory in the second-leg clash of the quarter-finals for the 2024/2025 Europa League selection process.

Goals Over/Under – Over 2.5 Goals Scored

Buoyed by their fans, Cercle Bruges is expected to push intensely for a win against Kilmarnock. Utilizing the over/under goals market as the basis for this Thursday’s extra prediction in the Europa League 2024/2025 qualifying round, the focus is on over 2.5 goals scored.

Latest News and Statistics for Cercle Bruges

Involving seven players from the starting lineup of the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals in their squad for the opening round against Westerlo, Cercle Bruges can’t use the excuse of resting players for their 3-0 defeat. However, the scoreline did not fully reflect the match.

Controlling possession for 52% of the match, Cercle Bruges created more scoring opportunities (12 to 10) but lacked efficiency. They fell short in accurate shots (4 to 6).

At their home ground, Westerlo initiated the scoring at the 18-minute mark with a goal from Stassin. In the final phase, Stassin found the net again at the 55th minute. Sayyadmanesh rounded off the match with another goal at the 64th minute.

Latest News and Stats for Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock is set to make their debut in the Scottish Championship this coming Sunday, August 4th. They will be facing the reigning champions, Celtic, away from home. Kilmarnock’s main goal this season is to replicate last year’s success which earned them a spot in the Europa League qualifiers.

In the first leg against Cercle Bruges, Kilmarnock controlled possession 48% of the time and was slightly behind in creating scoring opportunities (8 vs. 9). However, they demonstrated greater accuracy in their shots, leading in on-target attempts (5 vs. 3). Olaigke scored for Cercle Bruges ten minutes into the second half, but Kilmarnock equalized at the 70th minute with a goal from Watson, assisted by Vassell.