Belgian Pro League Matchday Five Preview | OneFootball

Match week five of the Belgian Pro League see’s a slightly depleted number of games, with three sides involved in European football being given the weekend off to ensure they are at full fitness for the second legs.

Westerlo v OH Leuven

Westerlo had started the season with three fantastic wins, but were brought back down to earth by Gent last weekend. They face an OH Leuven side that have created plenty but failed to take their chances, with five goals in their four games so far. Strikers have been bought and are finding their feet. Westerlo will be looking to show that the Gent result was just a minor blip and that the first three games of the season were a true indication of what this team will bring this season. Historically, OH Leuven have had the better of the match up with 11 wins to Westerlo’s five. Last season the sides split their matches in the regular season, with the away side winning both times.

Royal Antwerp v KV Mechelen

Antwerp have shown they are what many predicted they would be, strong enough to be in the top half but not as good as the sides challenging for the title. They’ve lost twice, to Anderlecht and Club Brugge, while beating Charleroi and Sint Truiden. They will be without Denis Odoi for this clash after his red card against his former side Club Brugge. Mechelen are still searching for their first win, and have also been goal shy with just four goals so far. With Lion Lauberbach out, they are short of striking options. They will also be without Zinho Vanheusden who is once again injured. Last season Mechelen were unbeaten against Antwerp, drawing 0-0 at home and winning 1-0 away.

FCV Dender v Club Brugge

Dender have defied expectations to start the season, rescuing a late draw against Sint Truiden to remain unbeaten. They now face a Club Brugge side who won their first game of the season against Antwerp and have been far from convincing so far. The side will be expected to win comfortably, but for Dender its another free hit to start the season. Mohamed Berte has had a great start to his campaign with his new side, grabbing three goals in four games. If Westerlo lose, a shock win for Dender would see them go top of the league.

Sint Truiden v Union St Gilloise

Sint Truiden saw a victory slip through their fingers late on against Dender last weekend, and this week they have a much tougher test against Union. The Brussels side have not looked their usual selves under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli, winning two, drawing one and losing one of their opening games. Union are usually strong starters and will expect to overcome a Sint Truiden side that are leaking goals. The home side have already conceded 14 goals in just four games. Last season Union won both clashes, with a 4-0 win away from home. A similar score line could be seen on Sunday afternoon.

Standard Liege v Beerschot

Standard Liege have only scored once this season, but they have also only conceded one. Their fans will expect a win over a Beerschot side that have conceded 11 in four games and only have one point. Dirk Kuyt has said he still is confident his side will survive this season, but they certainly could do with getting that first three points under their belts. Standard will be without Henry Lawrence after his red card against Kortrijk last weekend. Beerschot will hope that Simion Michez and Thibaud Verlinden can inspire them to victory.

Charleroi v Kortrijk

Charleroi are another side that have started well but are looking for an answer to who should play up front. Thankfully, Dan Heymans has been in fine form with three goals in four games from midfield. For Kortrijk, they have had a patchy start to the season with the 4-1 defeat to Dender a sore spot. Last weekend Thierry Ambrose grabbed his first goal of the season and the 27-year-old should be rewarded with a spot in the starting line up. During the 2023/2024 regular season the home side won both clashes 1-0, while in the play-offs Charleroi won both games.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson