LASK Linz has already failed to be in the role as favourite twice in European home games this season. First there was a 1-1 draw against FCSB in a Europa League qualifier, followed by another 2-2 draw against Djurgarden in the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League. After three games without a win in all competitions the chances of finally winning against Cercle Brugge could increase slightly. After all, this is one of the weaker clubs in the Belgian capital. What is particularly alarming is that LASK started this tournament phase with a defeat and a draw. This is a significant step backwards considering that the team comfortably survived the Conference League group stage last season with 16 out of 18 possible points. Furthermore, they have conceded goals in five of their last six European home games, which does not exactly speak for a stable defence. Cercle Brugge, on the other hand, made a dramatic turnaround in the first two matchdays of the group stage. An impressive 6-2 home win against St. Gallen was followed by a bitter 1-3 defeat in Iceland against Vikingur Reykjavik. Interesting thing is that in these first two games, were scored more goals than by almost any other team in all UEFA competitions. In the domestic league, the Belgians have made strong progress since the last matchday of the Conference League with eight goals from three wins.