Westerlo v Charleroi Preview: Chance for the Zebras to put pressure on KV Mechelen in race for final European ticket | OneFootball

Charleroi go into Friday’s clash with Westerlo looking to make it two wins on the bounce and put pressure on KV Mechelen going into the weekend. The Zebras and Mechelen look to be the strongest sides in play-off two, with the winner facing a play-off one side in a two legged affair for the final European ticket. Both sides are level on points with 23 a piece, with Mechelen top on goal difference rather than games won.

Westerlo drew both of their opening games in the play-offs and currently sit fifth in the group with 20 points. They have had a poor season but showed some fight last weekend when fighting back from 2-0 down at home to OH Leuven. Charleroi have gotten the better of them on both occasions this season, winning 1-0 at home and then 3-1 away from home. Westerlo’s lack of goals have been evident in those games, with Matija Frigan leading the side on nine goals. The young Croatian striker has only scored one goal in his past seven games. Remarkably, Tottenham loanee Luka Vuskovic is second on the scorers list, despite being a central defender, with seven goals.

Charleroi are reliant on both Daan Heymas and Nikola Stulic for goals, with the former having 11 and the latter nine. However, in the past few weeks Parfait Guiagon has been back to his best and the Ivorian winger has five goals and five assists so far this season. Head coach Rik De Mil, who was at Westerlo before being let go in controversial fashion, will hope to exact more revenge on his former club. This will then put some pressure on KV Mechelen prior to their game against OH Leuven on Sunday evening.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson