PSV legend Eric Gerets has backed Club Brugge to earn a 1-1 draw against his former club in Wednesday evening’s Champions League meeting at the Philips Stadium, admitting that the Belgian side’s recent form has made the contest difficult to call.

The former defender, who captained PSV to European Cup glory in 1988, will be present in Eindhoven for the 9pm kick-off. Despite his strong connection with the Dutch club, Gerets believes Club Brugge have enough momentum to make life difficult for the hosts.

“Normally I would say PSV, but Club Brugge is on such a rise. They play strongly and have luck at the right moments. I’m betting on 1-1. A political answer, but still,” Gerets told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

Club Brugge arrive in Eindhoven after two impressive results in Europe, beating Inter Milan 4-3 away from home before securing a 3-0 victory over RC Lens.

However, Gerets believes those performances also involved significant moments of good fortune. He pointed to Lens’ missed opportunities and goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s save from Lautaro Martínez during the victory over Inter.

“Two weeks ago, RC Lens should have been scoring all the time. And how Sommer kept out that ball from Lautaro Martínez against Inter: pure luck. But luck is something you have to force. After the match, nobody talks about it anymore,” he said.

Gerets knows both clubs particularly well. He played for PSV between 1985 and 1992, later returning as the club's manager from 1999 to 2002. He also coached Club Brugge between 1997 and 1999.

The Belgian will attend Wednesday's match as a guest in the Philips Stadium's Legends Lounge. He also spoke about his continued affection for Standard Liège, describing the club as his first love, while expressing frustration with their current performances.

“Normally I mainly go to watch Standard Liège, that remains the team, until my last breath. You don’t forget your first love. But they need to play much better urgently. It hurts your eyes,” he added, as quoted by PSV Inside.

Gerets will not be the only familiar PSV figure in attendance. Belgium head coach and former PSV midfielder Mark van Bommel is also expected at the Philips Stadium, accompanied by members of his technical staff as part of a team-building outing.

According to Het Nieuwsblad, the fixture will also provide Van Bommel with an opportunity to watch several Belgian internationals in action. Club Brugge have four players in the national-team picture: Brandon Mechele, Joaquin Seys, Kyriani Sabbe and Hans Vanaken.

Van Bommel has a significant history with PSV, having played for the club between 1999 and 2005 before returning to finish his playing career in 2013. He won four Dutch league titles during his time in Eindhoven and later managed the club between 2018 and 2019.

His visit comes ahead of Friday's announcement of Belgium's squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey.

With Gerets predicting a draw and Van Bommel also expected in attendance, Wednesday's meeting carries an added connection between PSV and Belgian football.