While Westerlo may not be mathematically safe from the drop, it would take a remarkable swing of results for them to end up getting relegated via the relegation play-off. However, to ensure the unthinkable doesn’t become reality, they will hope to get the single point they need from Friday nights clash with Mechelen to avoid any potential final weekend worry.
Unfortunately for them, they face one of the in form sides in the Belgian Pro League at the moment. Besnik Hasi’s KV Mechelen have strung together three wins on the bounce and an unbeaten 2024 so far. They remain in the hunt for place in the top six and a crack at European football next season. While the side will be without Mory Konate (suspension) and Bill Antonio through injury, they can still call upon the likes of captain Rob Schoofs, who has six goals and five assists from central midfield this season. Last time out against Cercle Brugge it was he, alongside Kerim Mrabti and Geoffry Hairemans, who made the difference. A win for Mechelen to start the weekend will put plenty of pressure on the likes of Gent, Genk and Cercle Brugge to pick up wins in their fixtures.
Westerlo on the other hand have only won one of their previous five games. They have lost two on the bounce as they limp over the line. Nicolas Madsen remains their key player, with 12 goals from the Danish midfielder this season. In recent weeks they have certainly missed the dynamic play of Romeo Vermant. In his place has come record signing Matija Frigan, but the Croatian has struggled with juts four goals in 21 matches this season.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
