Anderlecht sitting pretty and still in Europe

Anderlecht went into the mid-season break with a six point lead over Genk, having played one game more. The weather, or rather the method of deciding whether games are called off or not, has played havoc with the Jupiler league. Anderlecht and Club Brugge are the only teams to have played a full quota of matches. The most affected have been KV Mechelen who have had four games postponed. Mechelen were particularly unhappy when their game at Standard Liege was postponed because of conditions outside the ground. There were suggestions that there had been a few phone calls to the town’s mayor (who actually said the game could not be played). With numerous injuries and suspensions, Standard were happy to send their playersoff for an early new year break. 

Anderlecht are the only Belgian club still in Europe, with two attractive games with Ajaz coming up. Brazilian midfielder Kanu has been catching the eye of late, taking his opportunities due to several injuries. Genk are staying the course well and welcomed back the promising Kevin De Bruyne just before the break. Club Brugge have found a bit of form and have taken 12 points from the last 15. In the last game before the new year they beat Charleroi 5-0 with four goals from the multi-talented Ivan Perisic. He’s now third in the goal scoring charts behind club-mate Ronald Vargas and Genk’s Jelle Vossen.

Elsewhere, Trond Sollied took over at Lierse as expected. The Norwegian signed a six-month contract with the objective of keeping the club in the first division. If he succeeds, expect him to sign for a bigger club in the summer.  

Positions:

1. Anderlecht, played 22, points 50.

2. Racing Genk, 21 – 44.

3. Ghent, 21 – 39.

4. Club Brugge, 22 – 36.

5. Lokeren, 19 – 34.

6. Standard Liege, 21 – 33.

13. Eupen, 20 – 16.

14. Germinal Beerschot, 20 – 16.

15. Lierse, 21 – 13.

16. Charleroi, 21 – 7.