Many eyes will be on the game at Sclessin where Standard Liege play Racing Genk. If this match swings strongly one way or the other, it could impact the games at Charleroi, Beveren and Cercle Brugge – with all three matches featuring clubs that could drop into the P03* places. Charleroi of course could go into the P01* playoffs dependent on Standard winning.
For full details of current placings in the league, see here.
Charleroi-Mouscron Peruwelz:
Charleroi should win easily on form. Last week’s game at Club Brugge was their first defeat in their last six games whereas Mouscron’s victory was their first for months. But if news of Genk winning comes through, Charleroi’s heads could drop. Forecast: CHARLEROI.
Standard-Genk:
Standard have nothing much to play for except pride and 1.5 points**. They have already qualified for the P01 playoffs and they’ve lost Imoh Ezekiel to injury. Jelle Van Damme is also out injured and Dino Arslanagic is suspended. Genk also have injuries but they should really be up for this one and a point will be enough for P01 qualification. Forecast: GENK.
Anderlecht-Gent:
Although Gent are third in the table, their record at Anderlecht is abysmal. They have lost 17 of last 22 games there and drawn the other five. Steven Defour will be back for Anderlecht, Dennis Praet will be on the bench; defence looks a bit weak though. Forecast: ANDERLECHT.
Zulte-Waregem-Oostende:
A dead game in all respects. Forecast: A DRAW.
Lierse-Kortrijk:
Lierse are condemned to the P03 playoffs. Kortrijk should benefit and pick up the 1.5 points; Ivan Santini might fancy a few goals to improve his chances of finishing top goalscorer. Forecast: KORTRIJK.
Westerlo-Club Brugge:
Club Brugge have a really heavy programme as this game is sandwiched between two matches with Besiktas. Even so, Club Brugge should take the points as Westerlo have signed off until the P02* playoffs. Forecast: CLUB BRUGGE.
Waasland Beveren-Lokeren:
Normally you would fancy Lokeren to take a least a point but Beveren need to win to ensure they avoid the P03 playoffs. And Renaud Emond will be out to grab some more goals for the same reason as Santini. Forecast: BEVEREN.
Cercle Brugge-KV Mechelen.
Same reasoning applies as for previous game. Forecast: CERCLE BRUGGE.
Explanatory note:*
P01 playoffs – top six. (points halved before playoffs start)**
P02 playoffs – teams in positions seven to 14.
P03 playoffs – bottom two clubs (who meet each other five times).