The Belgian Pro League table is starting to take shape after 11 match days, with Genk building a lead at the top and Beerschot finally clawing back some ground at the bottom.
Kortrijk v Beerschot
Friday nights clash could have huge implications at the bottom of the table. Beerschot will be full of confidence after their win over Anderlecht last week, while Kortrijk are really struggling. There was hope that Kortrijk would be one of the surprise packages this season, but so far they have shown the same issues that plagued them last campaign. Beerschot will be looking to Saudi-Arabian striker Marwan Al Sahafi to continue his good form from last week. Both sides have only won one of the last five.
Charleroi v OH Leuven
Another clash between two sides desperate for a win. Charleroi have one win in five, while their opponents have only picked up two points from a possible 15. Since beating Beerschot 3-0, Charleroi have struggled in front of goal. Their opponents are also poor in converting their chances. This looks set to be a close game that could be decided by the odd goal. Daan Heymans still leads Charleroi with six in 11, while no one has scored more than twice for OH Leuven.
FCV Dender v KV Mechelen
Despite a series of injuries, KV Mechelen are one of the inform sides at the moment. They have scored eight in their last two, but both of these came at home. They travel to Dender without Kerim Mrabti who went off injured in the 3-0 win over Kortrijk. Dender are unbeaten in three, but have only scored twice. Their goalkeeper, Michael Verrips, has been excellent so far and could be busy again against Mechelen on Saturday evening.
St Truiden v Westerlo
Saturday evening’s clash between the Canaries and Westerlo should be an exciting one. Both sides want to play on the front foot, although Westerlo will be without Emin Bayram and Tuur rommens due to suspension. Sint Truiden will also miss Billal Brahimi after his red card. However, in Adriano Bertaccini, they have one of the inform strikers in the Pro League. The forward has six goals in nine games so far after a brace against Genk. both sides come in off defeats to sides chasing the title. This one could be a great one for the neutrals.
Club Brugge v Anderlecht
This weekend will be the biggest test for David Hubert since taking over as Anderlecht head coach. If the Mauves have any hopes of the title they will need to show they can compete with the likes of Club this season. After a poor performance against Beerschot, pressure will be on. They will need to find a way to stop Hans Vanaken, who has been in great form with four goals and two assists this season. Kasper Dolberg has three in 10 as he looks to get his season up and running. While there is just a point between the two, it feels like Anderlecht have been going in the opposite direction in recent weeks. It should be a fantastic atmosphere at the Jan Breydel this Sunday lunchtime.
Antwerp v Standard Liege
Antwerp have been a great watch this season, with 22 goals in 11 games propelling the side into second place in the table. They face a Standard Liege side who have only managed seven goals in 11 games. Standard will be buoyed by their derby win over Charleroi, while Antwerp will be disappointed not to have beaten OH Leuven. Antwerp have been fantastic at home, with four wins and two defeats. Away from home Standard have struggled, picking up just four points from a possible 15.
Gent v Genk
Every Englishmans favourite game, the battle of the sides so often mixed up with each other. One time, even the Belgian’s got confused, with VAR turning up at the wrong ground! This match up between the sides see’s two teams who have their sights set on challenging for the title. Genk are the early front runners, while Gent have been getting there. The home side have also got European football to contend with, something Genk do not. Historically, games between the two sides have been decided by the odd goal. There is some extra spice for this clash, with Gent manager Wouter Vrancken having left Genk last season to join Gent.
Union St Gilloise v Cercle Brugge
Two sides in European action this week get an extended break with a late kick off time on Sunday evening. Union are another side struggling to score this season, while Cercle are struggling to juggle European and Pro League football. Things have slightly improved for Cercle, who are without Warleson for some time now. Union are set to be without one of their best players this season in Alessio Castro-Montes who went off injured against Gent. Typically, these two sides like to press and play a direct style of football. Last year they shared plenty of goals during the play-offs, with Cercle winning 3-2 in Brussels and Union winning 2-1 in Brugge.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
