OH Leuven v KV Mechelen Preview: OH Leuven look to continue their European push against KV Mechelen | OneFootball

Having dropped points to Liège last time out, Leuven now sit three points behind leaders Charleroi with just four matches remaining in the Conference League Play-offs. Chris Coleman’s side are unbeaten in seven games, yet they need to start turning one point into three if they are to ensure they achieve continental football for the first time in the club’s history. Having drawn 1-1 to Mechelen in their last meeting, Leuven will be hoping the Den Dreef faithful can push them towards a win. Midfielder Siebe Schrijvers is one to watch with three goals in his last four.

As for the visitors, they come into the fixture looking for a first win in five. Sitting two points off Leuven in second, this fixture presents itself as a perfect opportunity to bolster their slim hopes of a continental finish. With Charleroi visiting Achter de Kazerne in the penultimate game week, all is not lost for Mechelen.

Despite conceding a 98th minute equaliser to Westerlo in their last match, a positive for manager Frederik Vanderbiest was the return of top scorer Benito Raman. The 30-year-old’s return from the bench comes at the right time for De Kakkers, and he’ll be hoping to add to his 15 goal tally for the season.

Another man who has suffered with injury this season is young centre back Bas van den Eynden. The 23-year-old has spent much of the season out with an adductor tear and despite returning to the starting eleven, his future at the club remains unsure. Speaking to HLN about the imminent expiry of his contract, van den Eynden says, “If the whole picture is right, I would like to stay.”

Kick off is at 18:15 CET.

GBENeFN | Samuel Fabre