Club Brugge coach Ivan Leko has revealed his probable starting lineup for the key Jupiler Pro League match against AA Gent. The team travels to Gent on Sunday 30 August 2026 for the 13:30 kick-off.
The Blue-Blacks currently sit second in the Jupiler Pro League with a perfect nine points from three games. They have scored seven goals and conceded none. Leaders Charleroi are three points ahead, keeping the pressure high for every match.
The probable starting eleven chosen by Leko against AA Gent features Yann Sommer in goal. The defence consists of Kyriani Sabbe, Lee Hanbeom, Brandon Mechele and Maxim De Cuyper. The midfield is formed by Oliver Potts, Hans Vanaken and Hugo Vetlesen. The attacking trio comprises Carlos Forbs, Andrea Tresoldi and Mamadou Diakhon.
The bench offers solid options with goalkeeper Nordin Jackers and outfield players like Jorne Spileers, Hugo Siquet, Noah Tsawa, Arthur Lemaréchal, Luka Koren, Lorenzo Virgili, Mathias Vermant and Nikola Vasovic. The absence of the injured Joel Ordonez is a loss for the defensive options.
The focus is now on AA Gent, but Champions League matches are approaching. Club Brugge were drawn in pot 2 for the new league phase and will face Napoli, Inter, Lens and Bodø/Glimt. The Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt were quarter-finalists last season.
Ivan Leko admitted he actually wanted to play against Real Madrid and coach José Mourinho. But he stressed the importance of maximum preparation. "If we are not 120 percent ready, we will be crushed," the coach said. He added a positive note: "The prevailing feeling is that we can do something in every match."
The summer transfer window has closed for Club Brugge with the arrival of Wisdom Mike. Approximately twelve players left the club, five of whom were regular starters. That is a significant overhaul.
Leko acknowledges his team has a lot of potential, but now it's about delivering. The match against AA Gent is a big test according to him. The last meeting in Gent, the so-called 'Battle of Flanders', took place about a year ago.
After the duel in Gent, Club Brugge face a busy period. The next league match is on 4 September 2026 against Lommel United, who are seventh in the table. Fans can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
With the Champions League on the horizon, the team must find balance between domestic and European competition. Five Belgian teams qualified for Europe this season, making the league even more exciting. The current table can be followed on our standings page and the injury situation via injuries.
The perfect league start provides confidence, but the real challenges are now beginning. The coming weeks will show if Club Brugge's new squad can live up to the high expectations.
